Operating to VRMM

When operating General Aviation (GA) aircraft to Maldives there are a lot of factors to consider. When applying for Maldives permits such as landing, aircraft parking and cabotage it is best to allow 4 to 5 days of lead time to coordinate with your ground handler.

The following is an overview of what you need to know when operating to the Maldives.

 

1. Airport slots and landing permits
Airport slots must be obtained prior to landing permits in Velana International Airport (VRMM), Gan International Airport (VRMG) and Hanimaadhoo International Airport (VRMH). Your ground handler can obtain these in under a day. VRMM may be congested during the high season (December – January) and therefore parking may be limited. Only short-term parking such as a drop-and-go may be permitted in VRMM so please be mindful so as to properly coordinate with crew duty times for chartered flights.

 

2. Overflight permits
Overflights of Maldives require permits with a lead time of 2 to 3 business days for private non-revenue and charter flights. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) may process a short-notice permit, preferably with at least 1 business day, at the CAA’s discretion. The CAA rigorously monitors departure and destination points and as such any changes to the aforementioned (even if it is a domestic charter) requires a revision of the overflight permit. Permit revisions* will also be needed for changes to schedule if within the +/- 72-hour permit window or for route changes.

*Permit revisions must be submitted 24 hours prior and allow for business hours. The CAA operates Sunday-Thursday 0800-1600 local and will be closed for Government holidays. Emergency permits may be processed during closed hours at the discretion of the CAA.

 

3. Permit documentation
With a permit request you must provide the following:

• Purpose of flight.
• Aircraft type.
• Registration.
• Operator name.
• Full schedule.
• No. of crew/passenger for each leg.
• Billing address.

TBA schedules will not be accepted by the CAA for your landing permits. Aircraft documents are not needed for landing permits.

 

4. Cabotage rules

The CAA diligently enforces cabotage rules for non-revenue and charter operations to the Maldives. If the No. of passengers/crew differs per leg in a landing permit, special permission is needed from CAA with approval and disapproval at their discretion.

 

5. CIP/VIP Lounge

For passengers wishing to use the VIP/CIP facilities in VRMM, VRMG or VRMH, the following details are required 24 hours in advance for approval from the VIP lounge, Immigration and Customs:

• Passenger name
• Passport number
• Nationality.

GA operators would benefit greatly from selecting this option as the clients can enjoy the facilities, while Customs and Immigration clearance goes on, such as:

• Refreshments
• Free Wi-Fi
• Business Center
• Restrooms
• Dedicated Duty-Free zone
• Smoking Lounge
• Hotel staff Meet & Greet area

6. Aircraft Disinsection

Disinsection of all international flights operating to Maldives from/via airports in countries indicated by the World Health Organization as malaria or yellow fever endemic, is compulsory. These flights must thoroughly disinsect the flight deck, cargo compartments, cargo containers etc. as per WHO guidelines.

The emptied canisters must be handed over to the handling agent upon arrival, who will in turn hand it over to the Port Health Authority. Failure to comply comes with a fine of MVR 1000.00 (64.94 USD [subject to fluctuation]) levied by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

 

7. VISA / Gendec

Gendec is strictly required for all GA operators and all details must tally with the passport of the crew/passenger. (Crew passports shall be stamped).

For travelers with a minimum of 06-month valid, machine-readable passport of all nationalities., 30 days Free Tourist VISA is granted on arrival at the Immigration Counter.

Empowered under the Ministry of Economic Development, Maldives Immigration is the responsible authority for Immigration and Emigration throughout the Maldives.

 

Please direct all enquiries regarding travel to Maldives or any other assistance you may require to ops@aviamaldives.com