Minister of Defence and National Security Adam Shareef Umar has stated that the tightened security measures in Velana International Airport (VIA) have been well received from the public and the tourists attaining services from the airport.
Answering a question posed by PSM News, after the inspection of VIA, Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar said the tightened security measures has boosted the trust on the safety of the national gateway. In addition, Minister Adam Shareef Umar said the administration has also loosened security routine of some of the airlines for the convenience of the passengers.
The Defence Minister further shed light on the incline in the number terrorist attacks aimed at some airports in the world and expressed the importance of ensuring the safety of the airports, as they are the major gateway bridging countries. The Minister added the completion of the China Maldives Friendship Bridge would bring in an additional influx of people to Hulhule' Island, where VIA is being operated.
In this regard, Minister Adam Shareef Umar noted that importance must be given to carry out proper security checkups of people getting to Hulhule' Island. Under the efforts of the administration to ensure safety and security of VIA, armed defence officers have been stationed at the airport since September 2017.