Dornier Aircraft Resumes Medical Evacuations in Maldives After Hiatus

The aircraft, operated by personnel from Hindustan Aeronautics, a company affiliated with the Indian military, had been grounded since uniformed Indian soldiers were replaced with civilian employees earlier this year.

Despite the change in personnel, who are described as qualified technical personnel by the Indian government, operations for medical evacuations and surveillance had not resumed until Friday night. President Muizzu acknowledged the restart of these services, noting that the Dornier aircraft transported a patient from Haa Dhaal Hanimaadhoo to Male'.

The Maldivian government had faced criticism for the delay in resuming the use of the Dornier aircraft and Indian military helicopters stationed in Laamu Kadhdhoo and Seenu Gan for medical emergencies. Currently, 76 Indian personnel are stationed across the islands to operate these aircraft. The resumption marks a crucial step in addressing medical emergency needs within the archipelago.