Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has said that the Ministry will open bids for helicopter service in the Maldives by next week.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen said that tourist arrivals to Maldives continue to increase annually and there is a need for more convenient air transportation.

Minister Ameen said that tourists mainly depend on seaplanes for air transport but the service is mostly provided during the day.

"Tourists want to travel to their destinations, resorts or islands, even at night," Minister Ameen said.

He said that the Cabinet has decided to start the helicopter service in Maldives to address the issue and the process of readying to provide the service is going on in full swing.

"We have done a study of the CA in the UK, which is the most experienced in this regard, and we are planning to commence the service on par with the standards stated in the study," Minister Ameen said.

The Minister added that the entire paper was has been completed but the delays have been to meet the requirements of the Finance Act.

"As per my understanding, the Finance Ministry will make a decision by the end of this week or next week. Once the decision is taken, we will publish it in the RFP, government gazette, and international platforms. I am very confident that considering the way the business is in the country, we will be able to come up with a component capable of operating helicopters in the Maldives," the Minister said.

He further said that helicopter service providers in the Maldives will also contribute to air ambulance service.