The Maldives Airports Company Ltd. (MACL) has operationalised a modern fire station at the main Velana International Airport (VIA). The newly inaugurated fire station is a 2,230-square-foot building near the new Code-F runway.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and MACL’s CEO and managing director, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed. The facility includes a control room to oversee emergencies, a training area, changing rooms, and essential support facilities for the firefighters.
Equipped with dedicated spaces for fire trucks, including major fire attenders, a command vehicle, and a marine vessel, the fire station also features a water tank to facilitate quick and efficient refilling of fire trucks, according to MACL. This state-of-the-art infrastructure aligns with the Airport Fire Rescue Category 9 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and meets Aerodrome Category 10 fire and rescue standards, said MACL.
During the event, Mohamed noted the importance of safety and security at the airport, highlighting the expedited response times to fire incidents enabled by the new station. He also expressed gratitude to the Mohamed Muizzu administration for its commitment to airport development and noted that VIA’s fire station is pioneering in the region by employing women firefighters.
Mohamed also underscored MACL’s dedication to bridging the tourism industry with global connectivity, emphasising the airport’s role in meeting the growing demands of the thriving tourism sector. Despite the inauguration of the new fire station, MACL confirmed that the existing fire station will continue to operate, ensuring comprehensive fire and rescue coverage at VIA.