Six MPs travel to Addu in efforts to resolve flying school issue

Six lawmakers traveled to Addu City on Sunday, in regards to issues faced by students at the Asian Academy of Aeronautics (AAA).

The Asian Academy of Aeronautics, accredited by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Maldivian Civil Aviation Department, was established in southernmost Addu City in 2010.

The students have raised multiple concerns over its operations, at relevant institutions. While the matter was also brought to the attention of the People’s Majlis, Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed has asked the students to send a detailed report of the issues and assured that they will “do all that can be done through parliament” to resolve the matter.

The six lawmakers that traveled to Addu are; Baarah constituency MP Ahmed Abdulla, Holhudhoo constituency MP Yoonus Ali, Thulusdhoo constituency MP Ibrahim Naseem, Kurendhoo constituency MP Abdul Gani Abdul Hakeem, Kalaa constituency MP Ibrahim Shareef and Feydhoo constituency MP Mohamed Nihad.

Upon arrival in Addu on Sunday, they met with officials from Gan International Airport. The team is to meet with the city council, flying school management as well as the students on Monday.

Some of the concerns by the students include delays in completing training which leads to increased expenditure and opportunity cost, as well as over the requirement to pay fees in American dollars, above the bank rate.

Further, an issue regarding dismissal of students was resolved following instruction from higher education and transport ministries.

Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation said that it will not hesitate to take action against the flying school, if the students were expelled unlawfully.

Vice President Faisal Naseem met with the students during his recent visit to the south.

While he met also with officials from the transport and higher education ministries, he urged them to “work together with the AAA to find a solution that would address [the students’] concerns and allow them to complete their pilot training within a reasonable time frame”.