The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced plans to introduce a lighted water runway, paving the way for nighttime seaplane operations. This development was disclosed by Ibrahim Shareef, Managing Director of MACL, during a panel discussion at the Air Service World Congress 2024, held at Kurumba Maldives.
Presently, seaplane operations in the Maldives are limited to daylight hours. The introduction of nighttime flights is expected to significantly benefit the Maldivian tourism industry, offering increased flexibility and convenience for travellers.
“This development marks a major step forward in enhancing our aviation infrastructure and boosting the overall tourism experience in the Maldives,” Shareef stated.
An illuminated runway, often referred to as a lighted runway, is a landing strip equipped with a system of lights that provide visibility and guidance to pilots during takeoff, landing, and taxiing operations at night or in low-visibility conditions. These lights are strategically placed along the edges and centerline of the runway, and may also include approach lighting systems that extend beyond the runway threshold. For seaplane operations, floating lights or specially designed buoy lights can be used to outline the water runway. The lights are typically powered by electrical systems with backup generators to ensure continuous operation. This technology enables safe and efficient navigation for aircraft, extending operational hours and enhancing overall flight safety.
The implementation of a lighted water runway is anticipated to create new opportunities for both tourists and operators, reinforcing the Maldives’ status as a leading global travel destination.
