On Friday, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef inaugurated a new fire station at Velana International Airport (VIA), marking a significant enhancement in the airport's safety infrastructure. The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures including Chief of Defense Force Ibrahim Hilmy, MACL’s CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, and senior officials from various government authorities and organizations.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence to honor the late Ahmed Fayaz, who served as MACL’s Fire Chief and played a crucial role in the expansion of fire and rescue services in the Maldives. Fayaz's contributions were instrumental in the development of the new fire station, and he was dedicated to training personnel in fire and rescue operations.
Vice President Latheef, speaking at the event, highlighted the government's commitment to improving fire and rescue capabilities at VIA. He emphasized that the new fire station is part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s broader plan to enhance and expand the main airport in the Maldives. Latheef stressed the importance of the fire and rescue services in ensuring the safety and security of civil aviation, especially given the critical role tourism plays in the country's economy.
With an increase in foreign flights to the Maldives, the confidence in the airport's security measures has grown. Latheef commended the dedication of the workers at VIA and encouraged them to continue their hard work.
MACL’s CEO and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, also spoke at the ceremony. He expressed gratitude to President Muizzu and his administration for prioritizing the development of VIA and praised their long-term vision for the Maldives’ main gateway. Shareef highlighted that the new fire station will enhance the fire team's capabilities, reduce response times to incidents, and improve the overall quality of services. He also noted that VIA is the first airport in the region to have female firefighters, marking a significant achievement.
The newly inaugurated fire station measures 2,230 square feet and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. It will serve as the main responder for VIA’s runway’s east apron water aerodrome. The facility is a two-story building with dedicated areas for staff, training, and a control room.
The new fire station aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s 'Category 9' for airport fire and rescue services and 'Category 10' for aerodrome category, ensuring it meets the highest international standards.
Despite the new facility being operational, the old fire station at VIA will continue to function, providing additional support and resources as needed.
The inauguration of this new fire station is a significant step towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations at Velana International Airport, reinforcing its status as a critical hub for international aviation in the Maldives.