Maldives Airports Company Rejects Raajje TV's Israeli Business Allegations

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has issued a categorical denial of allegations made by Raajje TV linking the state-owned company to Israeli business interests, announcing formal legal action against the broadcaster on Monday.

The controversy erupted following a video circulated by Raajje TV on July 7 through social media platforms, alleging that a company contracted for the upcoming New Passenger Terminal opening ceremony’s fireworks has connections to Israel and provides financial support to the country.

MACL, which operates Velana International Airport and serves as the gateway for the Maldives' crucial tourism industry, responded with an unusually forceful statement describing the allegations as completely baseless and designed to damage the company's reputation.

In its official response, MACL emphasized its status as a wholly Maldivian-owned company and provided explicit assurances that it has never engaged in business relationships with Israeli entities or provided any form of financial support to Israel.

MACL has never engaged in any transactions or business relationships with the Israeli state or any Israeli-affiliated entities, the company stated, adding that all operations strictly adhere to Maldivian national policies and values.

The airport operator described the Raajje TV allegations as factually incorrect, misleading, and harmful to stakeholder confidence, condemning them in the harshest possible terms.

MACL stated that it will file a formal complaint with the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, the statutory regulatory authority overseeing broadcasting activities under the Broadcasting Act. The company indicated it is pursuing all available legal remedies under Maldivian law to address what it characterizes as defamatory content.

The legal action represents a significant escalation in the dispute, with MACL explicitly reserving all rights to pursue further action against parties circulating what it calls unfounded allegations designed to damage MACL's reputation or business interests.

The allegations surface just weeks before the highly anticipated July 26 opening of Velana International Airport's New Passenger Terminal, an infrastructure project that represents one of the most significant aviation developments in Maldivian history.

The terminal, designed to handle 7.5 million passengers annually, is set to open in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence. The facility features advanced baggage handling systems and represents a substantial upgrade to the country's aviation infrastructure.

For MACL, which serves as the operator of the Maldives' primary aviation gateway, any allegations questioning the company's adherence to national values pose potential reputational risks during this crucial period.

MACL used the opportunity to distinguish between what it called responsible journalism and the allegations it disputes, expressing gratitude to media organizations providing balanced, accurate, and professional coverage of the New Terminal development.

The company called upon Raajje TV to cease circulating the allegations, provide factual reporting in accordance with journalistic standards, and issue appropriate corrections.