Maldivian pilots call off strike

Pilots with the national carrier Maldivian called off a strike planned for Monday after talks with the transport minister and management of the state-owned Island Aviation Services.

At the meeting late on Sunday night, Transport Minister Aishath Nahula and Island Aviation managing director Mohamed Rizvee pledged to address the concerns of local pilots and crew. 

The local staff demanded the removal of director of flight operations Mohamed Ameen from his post. But in lieu of dismissal, the company assigned his mandate of overseeing pilots and crew to other senior staff. 

IAS management previously failed to investigate several complaints against Ameen, a pilot told the Maldives Independent on the condition of anonymity.

Complaints included allegations of corruption, discrimination between Maldivian and foreign pilots, and the neglect of safety concerns raised by staff.

Island Aviation’s public relations and marketing manager, Moosa Waseem, told the Maldives Independent that pilots and crew turned up for work on Monday. There were no disruptions to the flight schedule.

Maldivian is the largest airline in the country, operating flights to all domestic airports in addition to several international routes. Fears were raised on Sunday evening that the strike could ground the entire fleet.