In a decisive move to protect national economic sovereignty and empower local businesses, the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) has officially gazetted a new regulation under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s directive, restricting international air transport sales exclusively to 100% Maldivian-owned companies.
The newly issued regulation, MCAR-251: International Air Transport Sales, prohibits foreign or partially foreign-owned firms from operating as General Sales Agents (GSAs), Passenger Sales Agents (PSAs), or Cargo Sales Agents (CSAs) without a Certificate of Approval from the Authority. It marks one of the most far-reaching aviation reforms in decades, aimed at reinforcing national control over the billion-rufiyaa airline sales market.
Strengthening National Ownership
According to the regulation, only Maldivian-registered companies that are fully owned by Maldivian nationals or the government can apply for certification to sell or represent international airlines in the country. Foreign companies currently holding sales rights must comply within a short transition period — four months for local entities and one year for registered foreign investments — after which their existing approvals will automatically expire.
The MCAA confirmed that the new framework replaces outdated air transport circulars from 2007, closing long-standing loopholes that allowed unregulated intermediaries and offshore ticketing networks to profit from Maldivian markets without proper oversight.
A National Security and Economic Reform
Aviation analysts view the regulation as a strategic safeguard against external dominance in the tourism-driven aviation sector, ensuring that profits, data, and employment opportunities stay within the Maldives. The move also aligns with President Muizzu’s broader “economic self-reliance” policy, which emphasizes national control over critical industries, from energy to transport.
“This reform ends decades of dependency on foreign ticketing agents who profited from Maldivian skies without accountability,” said an industry expert familiar with the regulation. “From now on, every air ticket sold under a Maldivian license will directly benefit Maldivian businesses.”
Strict Enforcement and Penalties
The regulation outlines stringent penalties for violations. Any company or agent selling international air transport without proper certification faces fines of up to MVR 10,000 per day for continued operations after notice. Unapproved agents will also risk suspension, revocation, and permanent disqualification.
In addition, all sales offices must maintain a physical presence in the Maldives, display certifications publicly, employ qualified local staff, and register their contact details with the MCAA.
Empowering Local Enterprises
Presidential Media Advisor Mohamed Ameen highlighted on X (formerly Twitter) that this regulation fulfills a long-awaited pledge to empower Maldivian enterprises. “Under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s directive, only 100% Maldivian-owned companies will be permitted to operate as GSAs, PSAs, or CSAs — a long-awaited reform to empower and strengthen local enterprises,” Ameen wrote.
A New Era for Aviation Independence
By enforcing MCAR-251, the Maldives sends a powerful message: the nation’s air transport industry will no longer be a playground for foreign dominance. Instead, it will stand as a pillar of national independence, ensuring that Maldivian hands and minds steer the skies and the commerce beneath them.
