Air traffic increases as VIA has only one runway: MACL

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has revealed that flights get delayed and causes an increase in air traffic because there is only one operational runway at Velana International Airport (VIA).

Speaking to RaajjeMV, MACL’s General Manager Hassan Areef revealed that it is peak season and that there are several scheduled flights carrying tourists in and out of Maldives.

During these days, a total of 55 flights land at VIA on a daily basis, said Areef.

Highlighting that the end of the peak season will bring about a temporary solution to the issue and that a permanent solution will be reached once the new runway is inaugurated.

Further, MACL stressed that it is challenging for domestic airlines to stick to the schedule due to the situation of operations.

Areef went on to add that maintenance work at the runway adds to the stress a busy runway where flights land continuously throughout the day, however, he stated that maintenance work is now carried out after the runway closes late night.

Stressing that these challenges surface because it is a single runway, Areef highlighted that once the new runway opens, it will be cleared within three minutes on landing.

MACL’s GM went on to commend the ground operations staff and stakeholders for their resilience in powering through hard work. The company earlier released a circular informing the public that flight delays may be experienced and re-directed, as it is the peak season.

Following flight delays, MACL drew in a wave of complaints from passengers on Friday as well, with airline officials revealing to RaajjeMV that their aircrafts have had to circle the sky due to traffic, for a long period of time. This in turn, increases fuel expenses.