Ibrahim Shareef, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), has denied allegations that the company plans to lease the operation of the VIP terminal and ground handling services at Velana International Airport (VIA) to Dubai-based aviation company Jetex for a 25-year period.
The denial follows the circulation of documents last week suggesting Jetex had submitted a proposal seeking land from MACL to construct a new VIP terminal and a separate aircraft ramp at VIA. The existing VIP terminal is currently operated by MACL.
Speaking to local newspaper Mihaaru, Shareef refuted the claims, stating that “no terminal at VIA will be leased to any external party.” He dismissed the reports as baseless.
Jetex, headquartered in Dubai, is a global provider of executive aviation services including fixed-base operator (FBO) terminals, aircraft handling, and ground support in more than 30 countries.
Speculation has intensified over alleged political links to the proposal. According to widespread rumour, the initiative to bring in Jetex was introduced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s trade and investment advisor, Mohamed Ali Janah. His daughter, Ayesha Nurain Janah, currently serves as the chairperson of MACL.
Local media outlet Adhadhu reported that a similar proposal had been submitted to the MACL board earlier during the current administration. Citing unnamed board members, Adhadhu stated that the proposal was rejected following board-level discussions.
Neither Jetex nor government officials have publicly commented on the matter.