Sinamalé Bridge Airport-Bound Lane to Close for VIA Emergency Exercise

Mohamed Hilmy

07 September 2025, 00:00

Maldives Airports company limited – MACL have announced changes to traffic flow on the Sinamalé Bridge as Velana International Airport (VIA) prepares to conduct its Full-Scale Emergency Exercise (AFEX) on 8 September 2025. The airport-bound lane of the bridge will be closed from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM tomorrow to facilitate the exercise.

The Maldives Police Service will be on site to manage traffic during the closure, ensuring smooth flow for vehicles. Airport operations are expected to continue uninterrupted throughout the exercise.

AFEX, a mandatory drill in line with standards set by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is conducted to test VIA’s emergency response plan, the standard operating procedures of partner institutions, and the preparedness of participating airlines. This year, Qatar Airways is the partner airline for the exercise.

The exercise will see the participation of 32 agencies and 391 volunteers, reflecting a coordinated national effort to strengthen emergency readiness. The last AFEX at VIA was held in 2022.

Authorities emphasized that the exercise is crucial to ensuring effective measures are in place to respond to potential emergencies, safeguarding both passengers and airport operations.

Sinamalé Bridge Airport-Bound Lane to Close for VIA Emergency Exercise

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