President Appoints First Female Chairman of Maldives Airports Company

MALE’, Maldives —Aisha Noorain Janah has been named chairman of the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), marking the first time a woman has held this pivotal role in the nation’s aviation sector. The appointment, announced this week, underscores a significant step toward gender diversity in Maldives’ corporate leadership.

Ms. Janah, a seasoned chartered accountant with a decade of management experience, brings a wealth of expertise to the role. The eldest daughter of Mohammed Ali Janah, principal advisor to the president on trade and investment, she has also served as vice chair of Janah’s Hotels and Resort Investment Group, a prominent player in the Maldives’ tourism industry.

Her appointment follows a notable tenure as chairman of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), a position she assumed on December 27 under the administration of President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu. Ms. Janah resigned from that role on May 21 last year, citing irreconcilable differences among board members.

With extensive experience in New Zealand and qualifications as a fully qualified Chartered Accountant in Australia and New Zealand, a Fellow Member of CA Maldives, and a Certified Member of the Institute of Finance Professionals of New Zealand, Ms. Janah brings a global perspective and sharp professional expertise to guide Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) in modernizing the nation’s aviation infrastructure, a cornerstone of its tourism-driven economy. Her leadership is poised to enhance international connectivity and elevate the passenger experience at Velana International Airport, the Maldives’ primary gateway.

Ms. Janah’s appointment has been met with optimism by advocates for gender equality in the Maldives, where women remain underrepresented in high-level corporate and governmental roles. Her ascent to the chairmanship of MACL signals a broader push for inclusive leadership in a nation where women are increasingly making their mark in business and public service.