Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi has stated that security concerns at Velana International Airport (VIA) are a matter of national security. She made the remark while inaugurating the health and safety campaign of the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
At the inauguration ceremony, Minister Mariya highlighted the importance of VIA by saying that any security threat to the main international airport will impact public peace and the economy. She said the airport connects the Maldives to the rest of the world and contributes to the growth of all Maldivian industries.
As such, Minister Mariya said that any security threat to VIA will have social and economic impacts in the Maldives. She expressed appreciation for employees who contribute to ensuring the safety and security of the airport and said she expects the safety efforts to encompass all levels of the airport’s administration.
Also at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MACL Mahjoob Shujau said that the highest level of safety is maintained in the aviation sector due to the adherence to strict national and international standards. He also said that MACL is continuing to develop VIA by introducing new services and providing more resources. He noted the efforts to increase the capacity at VIA and strengthen operations and said that MACL also plans to implement new technologies for surveillance, access, and operations.
The health and safety campaign of MACL is called Binaaru and aims to create awareness of safety related issues at the airport. The year-long campaign involves conducting health screenings on employees, a mosquito control programme, increasing awareness on security-related issues at the airport, and teaching students about the career opportunities in the aviation industry.