2024-07-28 08:29:27
Male: The Maldives has resumed using a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters gifted by India for medical evacuation services, reports said on Saturday. The move comes after the two countries agreed on the return of Indian military personnel who operate three aviation platforms in the Maldives. President Mohamed Muizzu has thanked India for enabling the resumption of medical evacuation services.
The flight was suspended after Muizzu’s swearing-in
According to news portal ‘Edition.mv’, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) told local media that medical evacuation services have been resumed through Dornier flights and helicopters. According to the news, this time these services have been started with a civilian team sent from India. Dornier aircraft and helicopters were previously operated by Indian military personnel and their operations were stopped soon after President Muizzu was sworn in in November last year.
India deploys civilian personnel in Maldives
Relations between the two countries came under severe strain after Muizzu, considered a pro-China leader, insisted on the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms in the Maldives by May 10. The military personnel were replaced by civilian personnel as India had not taken back Dornier aircraft and helicopters gifted to the Maldives a few years ago.
Indian team is stationed in Hanimadhoo
Indians are deployed at Hanimaadhoo to operate the Dornier aircraft, while Indians are deployed at Laamu Kadhoo and Seenu Gaan to operate the helicopters, news portal ‘Adhadhoo.com’ reported. President Muizzu announced the resumption of medical evacuation by aircraft at an official ceremony held at the Youth Centre last night to mark the 59th Independence Day, it reported.