The Instrument Landing System (ILS) has been installed on the newly built runway of Velana International Airport (VIA).
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) stated the ILS navigation system has been installed at both ends of the runway and calibrated for use. ILS is a navigation aid that assists pilots to land in normal or extreme weather conditions.
The new VIA runway is 3,400m long and 65m wide and can accommodate the largest commercial airplanes currently in use, such as the wide-bodied passenger aircraft. The runway was developed by China based-Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) at a cost of USD400 million. The project was funded by a loan provided by China-based Axis Bank Limited.
MACL stated the new runway will help to increase the number of flights landing at the airport per hour by 30%. The runway is currently in its testing phases and will be brought to operation in October.