Maldives Airports Company Ltd. (MACL) is planning to expand seaplane operations at Velana International Airport (VIA) by adding facilities for nighttime flights, the company’s CEO and managing director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed has announced. Mohamed made the announcement during a panel discussion at the recently held Air Service World Congress (ASWC) 2024.
VIA, already home to the world’s largest seaplane hub and fleet, will see expanded services as part of this initiative. Seaplanes have traditionally operated only during daylight hours, but according to Mohamed, MACL’s new vision aims to change that. By extending operations into the night, the Maldives will unlock new possibilities for tourism and development, he said.
According to Mohamed, MACL’s plans include innovative seaplane technologies to ensure safe and efficient night operations. One key aspect involves installing runway lights on water runways, allowing seaplanes to take off and land after sunset.
“With this change,” Mohamed said, “the tourism sector will see huge improvements, and the Maldives’ aviation sector will experience significant infrastructural development.”
ASWC 2024, held at Kurumba Maldives from 9-11 July, brought together over 150 delegates representing 27 airlines and 17 airports, fostering dynamic exchanges of ideas and collaboration among industry leaders.