Velana International Airport (VIA) has introduced the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Excellence in Security (APEX Security) program. The initiative, focused on enhancing safety and security measures at the airport, was officially launched during a ceremony held at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal on Sunday.
The APEX Security program involves a thorough assessment of the security protocols at VIA, with a focus on developing a comprehensive action plan to enhance these measures. The assessment, which will span five days, brings together experts in the field of airport security and is conducted with the assistance of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC).
During the launch event, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed highlighted the rapid development of VIA, noting that significant efforts are being made to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure to meet modern standards. Shareef stressed the importance of maintaining high levels of safety and security as the number of airlines operating at the airport and passengers passing through continues to increase daily.
He further emphasised that the APEX Security program is part of MACL’s broader commitment to prioritise the safety of all those who use VIA’s services. A specialised action plan will be developed based on the outcomes of this security assessment to ensure VIA’s security protocols remain robust and effective.
The APEX Security initiative will further enhance the airport’s security operations by incorporating insights and recommendations from experienced professionals in the field. This assessment is part of MACL’s ongoing efforts to maintain international safety standards at VIA, in collaboration with organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ACI, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The ceremony was attended by senior MACL officials, including Deputy Managing Directors Mohamed Lamman and Mujthaba Latheef, alongside the team of professionals leading the assessment.