Maldives Aviation Permits
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Civil Aviation Authority
- Name: Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA)
- Website: https://www.caa.gov.mv
- Contact: Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, Velana International Airport, Hulhule, Maldives
Estimated Processing Time
Requirements by Operation Type
Prior permission required. 24-hour minimum advance notice for non-scheduled private overflight. Full documentation required.
Prior permission required. One-off Approval allows up to 9 non-scheduled flights while MCAA processes full application. Updated MCAR-2 regulations apply from February 2025.
Governed by bilateral air service agreements with Maldives.
Overflight Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA)
- Lead Time: 24 hours minimum for non-scheduled private flights; 48 working hours for commercial operations
- Validity: 72 hours from initial requested schedule
- Fees: No CAA processing fees; air navigation charges billed directly to airline/operator
Overflight permit number must be inserted in Item 18 of flight plan. Maldives weekends are Friday and Saturday. MCAA working hours 0400Z to 1200Z. Updated MCAR-2 Rules of the Air effective February 2025.
Apply to Director General of Civil Aviation with details including operating agency name/address, aircraft type/nationality/registration/call sign, commander name, crew/passenger numbers, goods description, purpose of flight, route/date/timing.
Landing Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA)
- Lead Time: 48 working hours minimum prior to scheduled departure
- Validity: 72 hours from initial requested schedule
- Fees: No CAA processing fees; air navigation bill issued directly by MCAA. Landing and parking charges apply at airport level.
Foreign operators may perform up to 9 non-scheduled flights from date of first flight under a One-off Approval or until MCAA decision on application. Updated aviation regulations under MCAR-2 effective February 2025.
Apply to MCAA with complete flight details, aircraft documentation, and crew/passenger information. One-off Approval available for up to 9 non-scheduled flights while full application is processed.
Cabotage
Not permitted for foreign operators
General Remarks
Maldives has relatively streamlined permit processing. Note that weekends are Friday and Saturday. The One-off Approval mechanism for up to 9 non-scheduled flights provides flexibility. MCAR-2 rules updated in February 2025 align with ICAO standards.