Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has clarified that the recent amendment to Foreign Direct Investment Policy does not allow operation of air traffic by a private investor whether foreign or local.
His clarification came as many on social media voiced concern over the amendment that could potentially see the country's national security and sovereignty come under threat.
The Minister said in a two-part tweet that in any airport in the Maldives, the air traffic operations would be controlled by the State.
Minister Fayyaz said that to remove any misunderstanding, the Ministry would be changing the wording to reflect this clearly.
Fayyaz went onto say that although Hanimaadhoo Airport will be developed by a loan facility through Indian Exim bank, the ownership operation and management of the airport will be carried out by the government or assigned SOE.
Yesterday, the economic Ministry had published an amendment that says that 100-percent foreign-owned companies can invest to operate air transport services in the Maldives.
This would allow such companies to invest in terminal services, airport traffic control services as well as ground control services.
