Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) held a dedicated briefing session for hearing-impaired employees ahead of the opening of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA).

The session, attended by 16 staff members with hearing impairments, included a guided tour of the new terminal and an interactive segment. Interpretation services were provided by Saeed Athuharu, Director of Finance and interpreter from the Deaf Association of Maldives.

MACL’s CEO and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, attended the event and greeted the participants. The company stated the purpose of the session was to ensure that all employees, including those with disabilities, are adequately informed and prepared for the transition to the new terminal.

Participants highlighted both the scale of the new facility and the importance of accessibility. They described the terminal as spacious and visually impressive, noting that the visit helped clarify many operational aspects. The session also underscored the importance of having proper support in place for staff with disabilities to carry out their duties effectively. 

As the launch of the new terminal approaches, MACL has accelerated its employee readiness programs, including full operational trials, to facilitate a smooth transition to the expanded facility.