MACL Successfully Concludes Emergency Preparedness Exercise at Velana Airport

The Airport Full-Scale Emergency Exercise (AFEX), conducted to evaluate the preparedness of Velana International Airport (VIA) and partner agencies for potential emergencies, has been successfully concluded.

The exercise, held yesterday between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM, involved 33 agencies and tested multiple emergency scenarios. In addition to airport-based drills, hospitals across the Malé region also participated to simulate coordinated medical responses.

Following the exercise, a review meeting was held last night at Hulhulé Island Hotel, where stakeholders discussed observations and areas for improvement. Speaking at the meeting, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) CEO and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, emphasized that saving lives is MACL’s foremost responsibility in an emergency. He highlighted the critical role of communication and pledged to personally oversee the implementation of improvements identified during the drill.

“Issues observed during AFEX will be addressed, and I will lead the efforts to ensure all necessary enhancements are made. I extend my gratitude to all agencies for their responsible and professional participation,” Shareef said.

AFEX is designed to test VIA’s emergency response plan, the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of key institutions, and the emergency preparedness of airlines operating at the airport. The exercise is a mandatory requirement under regulations of the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring that VIA remains ready to handle potential crises effectively.

By bringing together multiple agencies in a simulated emergency, AFEX serves as a critical step in strengthening national aviation safety and ensuring swift, coordinated responses to protect lives during real incidents.