The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) convened its 15th Airport Emergency Committee Meeting at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Wednesday, bringing together key stakeholders from core and cooperating response agencies to enhance emergency preparedness and coordination.
The session focused on evaluating current crisis management strategies and preparing for the upcoming full-scale emergency exercises scheduled for later this year. These exercises, mandated biennially by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA), are designed to test and validate VIA’s Airport Emergency Plan and the standard operating procedures of participating agencies. The previous exercise, held in 2022, was the largest in the nation’s aviation history, involving over 400 participants from more than 30 organizations.
MACL’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to maintaining high safety standards and ensuring seamless coordination among various emergency response teams. The collaborative efforts aim to strengthen the airport’s resilience and readiness to handle potential crises effectively.
As VIA continues its expansion and modernization projects, including the anticipated completion of a new passenger terminal by July 2025, these preparedness initiatives are crucial. The new terminal is expected to significantly increase the airport’s capacity, accommodating up to 7.3 million passengers annually.
The 15th Airport Emergency Committee Meeting marks a significant step in reinforcing VIA’s emergency response framework, ensuring the safety and security of passengers and staff alike.
