Police Trained Ahead of Full-Scale Emergency Exercise at Velana International Airport

A special training program has been conducted for police officers in preparation for the Airport Full-Scale Emergency Exercise (AFEX) scheduled to take place at Velana International Airport (VIA) on September 8, 2025. The exercise aims to strengthen preparedness for potential emergencies and test the airport’s coordinated response.

Organized by Maldives Airports Company Limited’s (MACL) Airport Emergency Services (AES), the training familiarized police officers with VIA’s current emergency plan, the responsibilities of institutions within the plan, the resources activated during emergencies, and the Incident Command Structure established at the airport. The program also emphasized the specific role of the police in emergency scenarios.

The session, conducted by Sergeant Adam Haleem at the Criminal Investigation Building, was attended by 86 officers from various ranks and departments.

AFEX, mandated under the standards of the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is a comprehensive exercise that brings together multiple agencies to assess emergency readiness. The activity will also test the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of participating airlines, government institutions, and other stakeholders involved in airport operations.

As part of preparations, MACL has rolled out a series of training programs for relevant agencies, including airport departments, hospitals in Malé, Ministry of Health officials, and the Maldives Red Crescent. The last AFEX was held in 2022, with over 400 participants from 30 agencies taking part.

Meanwhile, MACL has advised passengers and visitors to familiarize themselves with new traffic arrangements following the opening of VIA’s new terminal on July 26, 2025, to ensure smooth access to the airport during the transition period.