Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, on Friday, has inaugurated the new fire station developed at Velana International Airport (VIA).

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Chief of Defense Force Ibrahim Hilmy, MACL’s CEO, Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed and other senior officials of the company which manages VIA, in addition to senior officials of various government authorities and organizations.

To kick off the ceremony, a moment of silence was observed in honor of the late Ahmed Fayaz who served as MACL’s Fire Chief.

Late Ahmed Fayaz significantly contributed to the expansion of fire and rescue services in the Maldives. He played a crucial role in developing the new fire and rescue station inaugurated on Friday. He also worked diligently to train people for fire and rescue services.

Speaking at the ceremony, VP Latheef announced the government’s plans to improve fire and rescue capabilities, provide advanced technology, and reliable facilities at VIA in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s plan to enhance and expand the main airport in the Maldives. 

Underscoring the significance of tourism in the Maldives’ economy, the Vice President underscored the crucial role of the airport's fire and rescue service in ensuring the safety and security of civil aviation. 

The inauguration ceremony of Velana International Airport's new fire station on June 28, 2024. (Photo/MACL)

He added that the increase in foreign flights to the Maldives and the confidence in the airport's security underscored the importance of their efforts. In this trajectory, he commended the dedication of the workers and encouraged them to persevere in their endeavors.

MACL’s CEO, Managing Director who also spoke at the ceremony thanked President Muizzu and his administration for the priority they have allocated to develop VIA and commended their long-term vision for the Maldives’ main gateway.

He added that the fire station will aid in enhancing the fire team’s capability and cut down the response time to incidents and improve the quality of services.

Shareef, underscoring VIA as the first airport in the region to have female firefighters, commended this feat.

The new fire station measures 2,230 square feet and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. It will serve as VIA’s runway’s east apron water aerodrome’s main responder. The facility is a two-story building which features dedicated areas staff, training and a control room.

The new first station aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s ‘Category 9’ under airport fire and rescue and ‘Category 10’ under aerodrome category.

MACL states the old fire station will also be in operation despite the new facility being brought into service.