Maldives implements SVFR for air travel due to poor air quality

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has introduced special safety measures for air travel following a decline in visibility caused by poor air quality across the Maldives. 

This atmospheric haze, which has been accumulating over the region for several days, is attributed to polluted air currents traveling from the Indian region.

MACL released a statement today clarifying that when visibility drops due to pollution or heavy rain, the company is mandated by regulation to implement additional safety protocols for aircraft. 

One of the key measures involves the temporary suspension of Visual Flight Rules (VFR), where pilots navigate primarily by sight. In its place, aircraft are instructed to operate under Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR), which provide additional air traffic control assistance to ensure safe separation and navigation.

According to MACL, it is standard procedure to switch from VFR to SVFR whenever visibility falls below five kilometers. 

"Due to the current poor air quality in the Maldives, VFR is being suspended at times, and SVFR is being utilized to maintain safe operations," the statement confirmed. 

MACL assured all international and domestic airlines, as well as passengers, that their safety remains the top priority during these conditions.

Data from IQAir indicates that the air quality in the Malé region has fluctuated between 63 and 172 over the past month. An Air Quality Index (AQI) reading between 151 and 200 triggers a "Red Alert," signifying that the air is unhealthy for the general public. 

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has forecast that these hazy conditions, which are common during the Northeast Monsoon (Iruvai) as winds carry dust and industrial emissions from the India, are likely to persist throughout the coming week.