Flying Remotely Piloted Aircraft (Drones) in the Maldives
The Maldivian environment is quite unique where 99% of the total geographic area is the ocean. This requires continuous seaplane operations which serve 90+ floating platforms scattered over the country. Seaplanes operate under VFR conditions and it is therefore extremely challenging to set up boundaries for recreational drone operations. Currently all drone operations are reviewed on a case-by-case and the following procedures must be followed.
STEP 1 - Approval from the Hotel or Island
| Commercial Video / Photography | Recreational Video / Photography |
| Approval should be obtained from the National Centre for the Arts prior to the operation. Fill their application form and email [email protected]. | Approval should be obtained hotel or the local island council prior to the operation. |
Obtain approval from the Maldives National Defence Force. Fill in their application form and email it to [email protected]. This step may be completed concurrently with Step 1.
STEP 3 - Approval from the CAA
Once approval has been obtained from the hotel/island and MNDF apply to the CAA on our application form and send it to [email protected]. ENSURE to include a copy of the permit from MNDF with the application. Further restrict drone operations to below 400 feet.