Velana International Airport (VIA) will conduct its largest aviation safety drill next month, marking the return of the Airport Full-Scale Emergency Exercise (AFEX) after a three-year break.

Scheduled for 8 September, the event is designed to evaluate VIA’s emergency preparedness and ensure compliance with safety standards set by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), AFEX is the most extensive emergency response exercise in the country’s aviation sector and is held to test the airport’s readiness for potential crises.

The exercise will simulate a real-life emergency scenario to assess the effectiveness of VIA’s emergency plan, standard operating procedures, and coordination with airlines operating at the airport. It will also test the emergency protocols of participating agencies, from rescue services to healthcare providers.

The last AFEX was conducted in 2022, drawing more than 400 participants from 30 agencies, including airport operations, emergency responders, and medical facilities. MACL said this year’s event is expected to bring together a similar number of stakeholders, reinforcing a coordinated approach to airport safety and crisis management.