The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has conducted a special training programme for officers of the Maldives Police Service in preparation for the upcoming Airport Full-Scale Emergency Exercise (AFEX), scheduled for 8 September 2025 at Velana International Airport (VIA).
Organised by MACL’s Airport Emergency Services (AES), the session was designed to familiarise police officers with VIA’s emergency response plan, clarify institutional responsibilities, and train participants on the use of emergency equipment and the airport’s incident command structure. The programme also highlighted the central role of the police during crisis response at the country’s main international gateway.
A total of 86 police officers from multiple departments participated in the training, which was held at the Sergeant Adam Haleem Criminal Investigation Building.
AFEX to Test Readiness Against International Standards
AFEX is a mandatory exercise that tests VIA’s preparedness to respond to large-scale emergencies in line with regulations set by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The drill will also evaluate how well VIA’s emergency plan integrates with those of airlines, hospitals, and other national stakeholders.
In the run-up to the exercise, MACL has been coordinating training with a wide range of partners, including airport departments, the Ministry of Health, hospitals in Malé, and the Maldives Red Crescent, to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
The last full-scale emergency exercise at VIA was carried out in 2022, bringing together more than 400 participants from 30 agencies across aviation, healthcare, and emergency services.
Strengthening Safety Through Collaboration
Speaking on the initiative, MACL officials emphasised that preparedness and coordination are critical to ensuring the safety of passengers and staff at VIA, the country’s busiest airport. The training, they said, not only strengthens inter-agency collaboration but also reinforces the Maldives’ commitment to upholding global aviation safety standards.
