Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced the main gateway of the Maldives, Velana International Airport (VIA), is prepared for the new normal phase and resume operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The main gateway of the Maldives, VIA, has been closed since March 27 after the first COVID-19 cases were reported in the Maldives on March 7. With the closing of the airport, all economic activities in the country are currently suspended. The government of the Maldives has recently announced plans to resume economic activities and open borders by early July, if the situation in the country does not worsen.
Speaking to PSM News, General Manager Hassan Areef said MACL has been preparing for a situation to reopen the borders with safety measures even before the government decided to return to a new normal phase and open the country for visitors. Areef said MACL has taken social distancing measures and utilising minimal staff per shift to prepare for the situation. He further said floor markings have also been placed for safety of passengers and staff as the airport is now prepared to reopen amidst the pandemic.
The general manager additionally revealed MACL has arranged for some of its staff to remain in the airport for emergency operations during the lockdown. He said the company has installed glass sheets at the counters to provide a safe environment for staff as well as the passengers.
MACL is also disinfecting all aircraft after very trip in its bid to contain the spread of COVID-19.