Two Floors of Velana Airports CIP Terminal Reportedly to be Leased to JETEX: A Deal in Need of Transparency and Review

Two entire floors of the Velana International Airport (VIA) CIP Terminal is reportedly been leased to JETEX, a Dubai-based private jet handling and luxury aviation services provider. While the deal is yet to be officially confirmed or publicly detailed, several sources suggest the agreement is being facilitated under the direction of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s advisor, Abdulla Junaid.

Given the strategic and commercial significance of the CIP Terminal at VIA, this development calls for a closer look at the rationale, process, and long-term implications of such an arrangement.

A Strategic Asset Deserves Public Dialogue

The CIP Terminal at VIA serves a niche but vital segment of travelers, including VIPs, state dignitaries, and high-end visitors. It is also a reflection of the Maldives’ premium tourism profile and its ambitions as a high-standard aviation hub.

Leasing out two entire floors of this terminal to a foreign operator especially without a publicly announced bidding process raises important questions about transparency, national interest, and the role of public infrastructure in supporting long-term development goals.

Why JETEX and Why Now?

JETEX is a well-established brand in global business aviation, known for providing fixed-base operations (FBO), ground handling, and concierge services in luxury aviation markets. However, their reported entry into the Maldives through this lease has come with little to no public explanation from the authorities or the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

Stakeholders may rightly ask:

• What criteria were used in selecting JETEX?

• Was a competitive procurement process followed?

• What benefits will this lease bring to the state, the aviation sector, and the local economy?

Lessons from the Past

While this potential lease may be positioned as a step toward modernization or international branding, it is crucial to evaluate it with prudence. The Maldives has had previous experiences such as the GMR airport concession where deals involving major infrastructure projects led to public backlash, legal complexities, and financial consequences.

Though contexts differ, the underlying lesson remains: decisions involving critical infrastructure must be handled with openness, clarity, and foresight. This ensures not just stakeholder confidence, but also long-term national benefit.

Supporting Local Capacity

The Maldives has developed a strong foundation in aviation services through MACL and private sector collaboration. As such, there is growing interest in why such a significant space within the CIP Terminal could not be leveraged to strengthen local capabilities or foster homegrown premium service providers.

The opportunity cost of outsourcing to a foreign company must be weighed carefully specially when the same objectives may be achievable through well supported domestic ventures.

A Need for Transparency and National Dialogue

Ultimately, if the reported lease of the CIP Terminal floors to JETEX is in the country’s best interest, it should withstand public and professional scrutiny. The public deserves clarity on:

• The terms of the lease

• The revenue or strategic benefit to the Maldives

• The impact on local aviation services and employment

• How this aligns with broader national tourism and aviation strategies

  
  

As the aviation industry continues to grow and evolve, strategic decisions must be guided not only by commercial considerations but also by the values of transparency, national ownership, and long-term vision.

As the aviation industry continues to grow and evolve, strategic decisions must be guided not only by commercial considerations but also by the values of transparency, national ownership, and long-term vision.

The reported lease to JETEX may offer potential advantages but until details are shared, the uncertainty around its process and implications risks overshadowing its intent. By encouraging public disclosure and open dialogue, the government and stakeholders can build trust and ensure that the Maldives’ aviation future remains grounded in accountability and national interest.