Maldives’ First Air Traffic Controller Mohamed Naeem Hussain Dies at 74

Mohamed Naeem Hussain, the Maldives’ first air traffic controller and a pioneering figure in the country’s civil aviation history, has passed away at the age of 74. Naeem died on Sunday in Malé, and his funeral was held yesterday at the Hulhumalé Cemetery.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which operates Velana International Airport, expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing his death as a significant loss to the nation’s aviation sector. In a statement shared on social media, MACL said Naeem’s contributions to the development of civil aviation in the Maldives were invaluable and would be remembered with lasting respect and gratitude.

Naeem’s career in aviation began in 1967 at Hulhulé Airport, at a time when the country’s air transport infrastructure was still in its formative stages. After completing air traffic control training in Sri Lanka, he officially became the Maldives’ first air traffic controller on April 7, 1973, a milestone that marked the formal introduction of air traffic control services at Hulhulé Airport.

In the early years of the ATC service, Naeem worked alongside Hussain Mohamed as part of the initial team that laid the foundation for safe and organized air navigation in the Maldives. His role was instrumental during a period when aviation operations were limited but rapidly evolving, requiring dedication, adaptability, and technical expertise.

Naeem continued to build on his professional skills throughout his career, receiving advanced training at the Civil Aviation Training Centre in Thailand. He also underwent aeronautical search and rescue training in Australia, further strengthening the Maldives’ capacity in aviation safety and emergency response.

Remembered as a trailblazer and mentor, Naeem’s legacy lives on in the modern aviation system of the Maldives, which has grown from modest beginnings into a key pillar supporting tourism and national development.