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Vital equipments brought into operation to begin new runway operation

Malika Shahid
24 September 2022, MVT 20:06
[File] The first aircraft to officially open the new runway at Velana International Airport and the first A380 to land in Maldives: The runway will be operational next month -- Photo: Nishan Ali
Malika Shahid
24 September 2022, MVT 20:06

The new runway at Velana International Airport (VIA) sets to open next month, a vital equipments for the runway was brought into operation yesterday.

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which operates the airport, said in a tweet that the Instrument Landing System (ILS) has been installed on the new runway.

The ILS installed at both ends of the new runway, is a navigation system used to help pilots land aircraft based on weather conditions.

Earlier this year, MACL tested the system in collaboration with several airlines.

The runway, was officially opened in 2018, by former President Abdulla Yameen's administration. Earlier in August, MACL said that the runway would be opened and operational this month.

The company said the new runway was delayed due to the replacement of the seaplane terminal. However, the new seaplane terminal has now been put into operation.

The new runway is 3,400 meters long and 60 meters wide. The runway can accommodate the largest aircraft, the A380.

When the new runway opens for operation, the existing runway will be used as a taxiway.

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