Department for Transport: Aviation

The Department for Transport (DfT) undertakes essential international work each year, including aviation and maritime security operations, and direct engagement with other countries and international bodies. While a significant proportion of DfT’s international activity is conducted remotely, in person visits are also necessary to deliver effective engagement and technical assistance, particularly in an operational environment. The visits to the Maldives were programmed to support DfT’s ongoing international activity.

While a significant proportion of DfT’s international aviation security activity is conducted remotely, certain elements of technical engagement require presence on the ground, particularly where activity is focused on operational environments such as airports.

All four visits were approved by a Deputy Director (Senior Civil Servant) in DfT’s Transport Security Division in line with departmental policy.

• January 2025 – Maritime security engagement involved three officials – two at the Senior Executive Officers (SEO) grade and a Higher Executive Officer (HEO). A port security survey was conducted, and a capacity development workshop was delivered. No Ministers or Senior Officials attended. Total cost: £8,830.57.

• January/February 2025 – This visit involved three officials at the SEO grade to conduct an airport security assessment. No Ministers or Senior Officials attended. Total Cost: £7,426.97.

• May 2025 – This visit involved three officials – two SEOs and an Executive Officer (EO) to undertake a technical senior meeting and to verify corrective actions from the airport security assessment. No Ministers or Senior Officials attended. Total Cost: £3260.35.

• August 2025 – This visit involved One official at SEO and two external training providers to deliver capability development training. No Ministers or Senior Officials attended. Total Cost: £15089.39.

• November 2025 – This visit involved two officials at SEO grade to conduct an airport security assessment. No Ministers or Senior Officials attended. One official’s flight was cancelled for a refund. Total Cost: £6243.94.

As part of the planning process, consideration was given to whether the engagement could be conducted remotely or combined with other official travel. While some preparatory and follow‑up activity was undertaken virtually, aspects of the engagement required on‑site delivery at the airport and therefore could not be fully conducted remotely.