Ameen says debt-ridden national airline now moving in the right direction

The national airline Maldivian, which had fallen into heavy debt during the previous government, is now moving in the right direction, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new seaplane terminal, Ameen said Maldivian had been expanding steadily in earlier years. He said that until 2018, Maldivian had been profitable every year since its inception.

Ameen said Maldivian had initially begun providing seaplane services at its own expense.

“If the airline goes off course, you have seen what happens, the company faces bitter consequences. From 2018 to 2023, the company fell into huge debt. Seaplane operations came to a halt, and the company was struggling,” Ameen said.

He said the airline’s situation began to improve after 2023, following changes in its operations. According to Ameen, Maldivian is now making a profit again after operating under heavy debt for five years, which he said is reflected in last year’s figures.

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Mohamed Ameen, officially opened the upgraded Maldivian Seaplane Terminal at Velana International Airport this evening.

The terminal now features a larger Huvandhuma Lounge, an expanded outdoor area, a new entrance, a children's… pic.twitter.com/lozuZG3rGP

— Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (@MoTmv) September 29, 2026

Ameen described Maldivian as the pride of the Maldivian people.

The new seaplane terminal, opened Tuesday, has been designed to reflect the natural beauty and culture of the Maldives. The terminal is fully air-conditioned and can accommodate 90 passengers indoors and 40 passengers outdoors.

The two-storey terminal includes a kiosk selling Maldivian souvenirs and food items, and features a system to recycle disposable plastic.

Island Aviation Services, which operates Maldivian, has suffered significant financial losses in recent years. In 2024, the company posted a loss of MVR 2.82 million, marking its fifth consecutive year of losses.