Island Aviation Services Limited (IAS) and the National Meteorological Service have signed an agreement to establish a weather observatory at Maafaru International Airport.

The agreement covers the development of the observatory and the provision of weather services for airport operations.

The Memorandum of Understanding and Service Agreement were signed during a special ceremony held at the IAS headquarters.

IAS Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas signed on behalf of the company, while Director General Abdul Waheed signed on behalf of the MET Office.

The observatory will provide real-time weather information, forecasts, and warnings to support the safe take-off and landing of aircraft operating at the airport.

Iyas described the agreement as an important step toward strengthening aviation safety standards at Maafaru International Airport, noting that timely weather updates are critical for pilots and air traffic controllers.

Meanwhile, Abdul Waheed said the observatory would enhance aviation safety in the northern region of the Maldives and further strengthen airport operations.

The observatory will become the sixth weather observatory established in the Maldives.

IAS stated that the initiative is expected to significantly improve the air transport system in the northern Maldives.