Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced that Velana International Airport will carry out a full-scale exercise on 8 September, during which the runway will be closed for one hour. The company stressed that the exercise would not affect scheduled flights or overall airport operations.

The drill, required under civil aviation regulations, is conducted once every three years at each airport. It is designed to evaluate the readiness of airport services in responding to emergencies and to identify potential challenges in working with external agencies.

MACL stated that the exercise would run from 4 pm to 9 pm, with the runway closed between 4 pm and 5 pm for a firefighting simulation. As part of the drill, smoke and flames will be visible. The company urged the public to exercise caution during this period, noting that numerous institutions would be operating simultaneously. It added that any changes to traffic flow in and around the airport area would be communicated in advance.

Azina Abdul Matheen, General Manager of MACL, said extensive preparations were under way in close coordination with the participating organisations. She noted that the planning process focused on clarifying the responsibilities of each institution and coordinating the specific contributions required during the exercise.

Participation will involve all relevant agencies based in the Malé area, including the Maldives Police Service, the National Defence Force, the National Disaster Management Authority, hospitals, city councils, ministries, state-owned enterprises and other key institutions.

MACL reassured passengers that the exercise would not disrupt flight schedules. Azina noted that comprehensive arrangements had been made to prevent delays and advised travellers to ensure they arrive at the airport on time for check-in. She added that take-offs and landings would continue as normal, with a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) already issued to airlines to accommodate the one-hour runway closure.

The last full-scale exercise at Velana International Airport took place in 2022. Since then, several new services and facilities, including those linked to the new terminal, have been introduced. According to MACL, the upcoming exercise offers an opportunity to test these expanded resources while reinforcing the airport’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.