Maldives to Restrict Airline Sales Licences to Fully Maldivian-Owned Companies

The Maldives government has announced plans to restrict airline sales licences exclusively to companies that are fully owned by Maldivians, in a move aimed at bolstering local participation in the aviation sector.

Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen revealed on Wednesday that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will soon gazette new regulations governing air transport sales. Under the upcoming rules, only 100% domestically owned companies will be permitted to operate as General Sales Agents (GSAs), Passenger Sales Agents (PSAs), or Cargo Sales Agents (CSAs).

“Only 100% domestic companies will be allowed to operate as GSAs, PSAs, or CSAs under the President’s directive,” Minister Ameen wrote in a post on X. He added that the decision responds to longstanding calls from local businesses seeking greater protection and opportunities in the aviation services market.

Currently, more than 50 air transport sales companies are registered with the CAA, many of which are either foreign-owned or joint ventures. Once the new regulation takes effect, these firms will no longer be permitted to continue their operations in the Maldives under the same structure.

The government expects the policy shift to help retain a larger share of aviation-related profits within the local economy, aligning with broader efforts to empower Maldivian enterprises across key industries. However, the minister did not specify the exact date for the gazette or when the regulation will come into force.

The move marks a significant step toward localising the aviation sector and ensuring that Maldivian businesses have a stronger foothold in the country’s growing air transport market.