MACL Managing Director Stresses Strong Partnerships for Airport Emergency Preparedness

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed today reaffirmed the importance of strong institutional partnerships in ensuring the continued safety, resilience, and operational readiness of Velana International Airport.

Speaking at the signing ceremony for the Memoranda of Understanding with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS), and Maldives Red Crescent (MRC), the Managing Director said the agreements represent another significant milestone in strengthening the airport's emergency preparedness through closer collaboration, clearer coordination, and shared responsibility.

He noted that, as the main gateway to the Maldives, Velana International Airport operates in a constantly evolving environment where uninterrupted operations depend on effective coordination among all emergency response agencies. He stressed that emergency preparedness cannot be achieved by one organization alone, but through continuous cooperation, clearly defined roles, open communication, and collective readiness among all stakeholders.

Shareef further highlighted that the strengthened partnerships will establish more structured coordination mechanisms, create clearer operational procedures, and facilitate regular joint exercises, simulation programmes, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. These collaborative efforts, he said, will further enhance the airport's capability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies while continually strengthening operational resilience.

He also expressed his sincere appreciation to NDMA, MMS, and MRC for their continued support and close collaboration with MACL, noting that their shared commitment plays an essential role in safeguarding passengers, employees, airport operations, and the wider national aviation sector.

He reaffirmed MACL's commitment to working closely with all partner agencies to ensure Velana International Airport continues to meet the highest standards of safety, preparedness, and operational excellence.