Velana International Airport (VIA) remained fully operational today despite a widespread power outage that affected the entire Greater Malé region. The disruption, which began around 12:30 PM local time, was due to a failure in the State Electric Company Limited’s (STELCO) grid.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the operator of VIA, promptly activated backup generators to maintain essential services, including air traffic control, security systems, and passenger processing. This swift response ensured that there were no delays or disruptions to flight schedules, and passengers continued to receive uninterrupted services.
In a statement, MACL acknowledged the situation: “We are currently experiencing an unexpected power outage. Our teams are working to rectify the issue at the earliest.”
STELCO is currently investigating the root cause of the outage to implement measures preventing future occurrences. The company has previously undertaken maintenance and upgrades to the Greater Malé Interconnection Grid Network, aiming to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the power supply.
This incident underscores the importance of infrastructure resilience, especially as the Maldives continues to experience growth in tourism and air traffic. MACL has previously announced plans to upgrade the airport’s power systems to enhance energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Travelers are advised to check with their respective airlines for any updates or changes to flight schedules resulting from the earlier disruption.
