Maldives has officially commenced its first International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP‑CMA) in over a decade. Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen shared the update yesterday via a post on X, announcing that the audit is now underway after an 11‑year hiatus.
In a strategic meeting with the visiting ICAO audit team in Malé, Minister Ameen highlighted key reforms instituted under President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. He emphasized significant progress in legislative upgrades and in advancing the Civil Aviation Authority of the Maldives (MCAA) across its four identified priority areas.
“We expect improved results and thank the dedicated MCAA team for their tireless efforts in strengthening our aviation sector,” Minister Ameen remarked, recognizing the exhaustive efforts of the MCAA team.
These reforms closely follow earlier announcements by the minister to establish a separate aviation safety investigation authority. The government plans to remove accident‑investigation responsibilities from the CAA and create an independent body—aiming to align with ICAO standards and ensure impartial oversight.
The timing of this audit is pivotal: ICAO scheduled it for June 2025, marking the first such comprehensive review since 2014, reinforcing the Maldives’ renewed dedication to aviation safety and international regulatory compliance.
