The Ministry of Defence has clarified the legal boundaries of the Maldives’ airspace and maritime zones, stating that areas beyond 12 nautical miles fall under international jurisdiction and are not controlled by the country.
The clarification comes in response to recent claims suggesting that Maldivian territory has been used for military purposes in relation to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Authorities have firmly rejected these allegations, reiterating that the Maldives does not permit its territory to be used for war activities.
According to the Ministry, the Maldives’ maritime boundaries are defined under the Maritime Zones of Maldives Act (Law No. 6/96), in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Under these frameworks, the country exercises full sovereignty over its land territory, internal waters, archipelagic waters and territorial sea, including the airspace above them.
This sovereign control extends up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline, known as the territorial sea. Within this zone, all vessels and aircraft—particularly military ones—must obtain permission before entering.
Beyond this limit lies international airspace and waters. The Ministry explained that, under the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), airspace outside a country’s territorial boundaries is considered international, meaning aircraft can pass through without requiring permission.
The statement also addressed confusion surrounding the Flight Information Region (FIR). While the Maldives is responsible for managing air traffic services within its designated FIR, this area does not constitute sovereign airspace. Instead, it is a technical zone established under international aviation rules to ensure the safety, coordination and monitoring of air traffic.
Even though aircraft do not need permission to enter FIRs located in international airspace, air traffic control authorities continue to monitor movements and share relevant information to maintain safety and security.
The Ministry outlined the country’s maritime zones as follows: full sovereignty within 12 nautical miles, limited enforcement powers in the contiguous zone up to 24 nautical miles, and economic rights extending up to 200 nautical miles under the Exclusive Economic Zone. Beyond this, rights apply mainly to seabed resources under the extended continental shelf.
Reaffirming its position, the government stressed that it maintains full control over its sovereign territory and will not allow Maldivian land, waters or airspace to be used for any military operations.
