Medical Teams Trained for Upcoming Airport Emergency Drill at VIA

A large-scale medical management training session has been conducted to prepare for the upcoming Airport Full-Scale Emergency Exercise (AFEX) at Velana International Airport (VIA). The training, spearheaded by Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in collaboration with Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), aimed to enhance readiness for potential airport emergencies.

A total of 73 participants from key healthcare providers — including IGMH, Hulhumale Hospital, Tree Top Hospital, ADK, Maldives Emergency Medical Services (MEMS), and Airport Emergency Services — took part in the program. The session focused on strengthening medical response capabilities and coordination between institutions during high-pressure scenarios.

The AFEX, scheduled for 8 September 2025, will serve as a comprehensive drill to test VIA’s Emergency Plan, the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of medical institutions, and the emergency response frameworks of participating airlines. According to MACL, the exercise is a mandatory requirement under regulations of the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring preparedness for real-life incidents.

This year’s AFEX will see the participation of 33 agencies and 391 volunteers, making it one of the most extensive airport emergency drills conducted in recent years. The last full-scale exercise at VIA took place in 2022.

Authorities stressed that such coordinated exercises are vital to safeguard passenger safety, strengthen inter-agency communication, and ensure rapid and effective emergency response at the country’s busiest gateway.