Malé – Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has conducted a specialized training program for the Maldives Police Service in preparation for the upcoming Airport Full-Scale Emergency Exercise (AFEX), set for September 8, 2025, at Velana International Airport (VIA).
The exercise is designed to rigorously test the airport’s emergency response systems, including VIA’s emergency plan, standard operating procedures of partner institutions, and the readiness of airlines operating at the nation’s primary international gateway.
Focused Police Training
Organized by MACL’s Airport Emergency Services (AES), the training focused on enhancing inter-agency coordination during potential crises. Police officers were briefed on VIA’s emergency protocols, the roles and responsibilities of different institutions, available resources, and the Incident Command Structure.
Led by Sergeant Adam Haleem at the Criminal Investigation Building, the program involved 86 officers from multiple ranks and departments. Training emphasized police responsibilities in crowd management, security, and collaboration with other agencies during aviation emergencies.
Regulatory Compliance and Stakeholder Preparedness
AFEX is a mandatory exercise under the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, ensuring the Maldives meets global aviation safety standards. In preparation for the 2025 drill, MACL has also trained hospital staff in Malé, Ministry of Health officials, and the Maldives Red Crescent, strengthening multi-agency coordination.
Building on Past Experience
The previous full-scale AFEX at VIA took place in 2022, involving over 400 participants from 30 agencies, from aviation operators to healthcare providers. The 2025 exercise aims to build on this experience, further enhancing emergency readiness across key institutions.
Ensuring Safety at the Nation’s Gateway
With VIA serving as the Maldives’ main international gateway, robust emergency preparedness is critical to operational resilience in one of the world’s top luxury tourism destinations. AFEX not only sharpens institutional readiness but also reinforces public confidence in the safety of Maldives’ aviation infrastructure.
