Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has launched aviation meteorological services at Noonu Atoll Maafaru International Airport.

The service was inaugurated at the Maafaru Meteorological Office yesterday, according to the MET Office.

The agency said the new facility marks an important step in strengthening weather support services for Maafaru International Airport and improving aviation safety.

MET Office said it will continue to provide timely and reliable weather information to support safe and efficient air traffic operations in Maldives.

Island Aviation, which operates Maafaru Airport, began construction of a new weather observatory at the airport earlier this month. The addition is expected to become the sixth such facility in the country.

Officials have said the upgraded system will help Maafaru Airport meet World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Global Basic Observation Network standards.

The project is part of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility initiative, launched by the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund (UNMPTF) and the World Meteorological Organization in collaboration with the MET Office and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Under the project, weather instruments at existing meteorological stations are being upgraded, alongside the establishment of a new observatory at Maafaru.

Meteorological observatories in Maldives are currently located in Hulhule', Haa Dhaalu Hanimaadhoo, Laamu Kadhdhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Kaadehdhoo and Addu Gan. The country also operates automated weather stations across 20 islands, along with tide gauges in Hanimaadhoo, Hulhule' and Addu City.

The project further includes repair and recommissioning work on the radiosonde system in Addu Gan.