Minister for Civil Aviation Mr. Moosa Zameer Addresses the Nation on International Civil Aviation Day 2017

Minister for Civil Aviation Authority Honourable Moosa Zameer addressed the Nation on 7 December, the International Civil Aviation Day, to highlight and advance the benefits of international civil aviation. Firstly the Minister sent felicitations of the Day to His Excellency the President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, the First Lady Madam Fathimath Ibrahim Didi and the citizens of the Maldives.

In his statement, the Minister stressed the importance of aviation in the Maldives and highlighted the continuous growth of the air transport Industry. Minister mentioned International passenger movement increased by 5.1 in 2016 while the domestic passenger movement increased by 10.1% and affirmed the Government's commitment to enhance the aviation sector. Substantial investment in airport infrastructure, development of 'soft infrastructure' by working with regional and international agencies, start of recreational aviation and safety studies in to other potential aviation activities were key activities of the Government in the year 2017.

The Minister also touched upon the main challenges facing the Maldives including lack of sufficient number of aviation professionals and protection of passenger rights. He stated the Government continues to resolve such challenges and gave the good news that the Government intends to send a Passenger Rights Bill to Parliament in 2018.

The Minister ended his statement by thanking all the sectors and the individuals that make aviation a success and especially His Excellency the President Mr. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom for his keen interest and support for the aviation.