The Maldives has taken a major step toward strengthening aviation safety by granting full operational independence to the Accident Investigation Coordinating Committee (AICC), the body responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and serious incidents. This structural change has been formally established under the Maldivian Civil Aviation Regulation MCAR-13A, which came into effect on June 12, 2025.
Under the new regulation, the AICC operates independently from civil aviation regulators, service providers, airline operators, and any other entity whose interests may conflict with the objectives of a safety investigation. The regulation explicitly prohibits external interference in the conduct of investigations, ensuring impartiality, transparency, and international credibility in line with ICAO Annexe 13 standards.
The AICC is composed of permanent members with professional expertise in areas such as flight operations, aircraft systems, investigation management, and emergency response. It has been granted full legal authority to access crash sites, recover and analyse flight data, interview witnesses, and collaborate with international investigation authorities where needed.
MCAR-13A also sets a clear timeline for accountability: the AICC must publish a final investigation report within 12 months of an accident. If the final report is delayed, interim progress reports are required to be submitted annually until publication. Additionally, the regulation empowers the AICC to reopen investigations if new and significant evidence comes to light after a case is closed.
This regulatory reform marks a significant advancement in the Maldives' commitment to aviation safety, aligning the country’s investigative procedures with global best practices and reinforcing its obligations as an ICAO member state.