A special programme was held at Velana International Airport (VIA) to review the readiness of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and other authorities ahead of this year’s Airport Full-Scale Emergency Exercise (AFEX).

The exercise, scheduled for 8 May, aims to test VIA’s emergency response plan as well as the standard operating procedures of relevant institutions and airlines in the event of an airport emergency.

The preparatory session took place at Hulhulé Island Hotel on Monday, where participants assessed the planned activities and discussed areas requiring improvement. According to MACL, around 80 staff members from different departments and 18 agencies took part in the programme.

MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Deputy Managing Directors Mujtaba Latheef and Mohamed Laman were also in attendance.

AFEX is conducted in line with standards set by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to ensure effective emergency preparedness at VIA.

The last full-scale exercise was held in 2022. This year’s event will see the participation of 33 institutions and 391 volunteers.