The government has introduced amendments to the Civil Aviation Authority Act, seeking to impose stricter conflict-of-interest regulations for board members and redefine the framework for civil air transport policy. The proposed revisions, presented to parliament, aim to align existing legislation with the forthcoming Civil Aviation Bill, a comprehensive effort to modernise aviation governance.
The Civil Aviation Authority Act establishes and regulates the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the entity responsible for overseeing civil aviation in the country. The amendments, submitted on behalf of the government by Member of Parliament Mohamed Fazeeel, who represents Dhaandhoo, are designed to strengthen regulatory oversight and enhance enforcement mechanisms in line with contemporary aviation standards.
A key provision in the proposed legislation addresses eligibility criteria for CAA Board membership. Under current law, individuals are disqualified from serving on the board if they hold more than a five percent share, either personally, through an appointed representative, or via a company in which they have shares, in an entity providing civil air transport services or operating under aviation regulations.
The revised framework eliminates the percentage threshold altogether. Under the new rules, any individual with any interest or shareholding in a legal entity providing civil air transport services or regulated by the CAA would be barred from board membership.
The amendments also propose a structural change in policy oversight. Under existing law, the minister is responsible for setting civil air transport policy, with the CAA required to act in accordance with ministerial directives unless instructed otherwise. The new legislation removes these provisions.
Beyond governance reforms, the bill also seeks to improve operational efficiency. Under current regulations, if the Chief Executive submits a matter requiring swift resolution, the board must convene and issue a decision within five days. The proposed amendment shortens this timeframe to three days, allowing for quicker responses to urgent issues. If enacted, the amendments will take effect upon parliamentary approval, ratification, and publication in the Government Gazette.