Appeals to weather-proof VIA’s drop-off area amidst heavy rain

Mohamed Firaq, a veteran aviation industry expert and CEO of Inner Maldives, has called on authorities to weather-proof the terminal drop-off area at Velana International Airport (VIA).

As the Maldives continues to experience heavy rainfall, numerous flights to the country's main international airport have been delayed. Arriving passengers have also expressed frustration over lengthy waits in taxi queues with limited shelter from the rain.

Concerned citizens have increasingly taken to social media to share videos highlighting overcrowding and logistical challenges in the airport's waiting areas during periods of adverse weather.

In a social media post, Firaq said the current weather conditions should serve as a timely reminder to reassess the design of critical infrastructure. He stressed that the passenger drop-off areas at the airport terminal must be better equipped to withstand changing climatic conditions and heavy rainfall.

Firaq's remarks come as persistent heavy rain continues to cause significant inconvenience for departing passengers. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that travelers are able to enter the terminal safely and comfortably during adverse weather conditions.

Under the current arrangements, passengers are often exposed to the rain while exiting taxis and private vehicles. Firaq noted that this frequently leaves luggage soaked and creates considerable inconvenience, particularly for elderly passengers and children.

He further stated that, as the nation's primary international gateway, the airport should provide a seamless and professional experience for all travelers. Firaq added that the time has come to invest in essential infrastructure designed with a forward-looking approach that addresses these recurring challenges.

The Maldives has been experiencing severe weather since late July. According to the Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office), several regions are expected to continue experiencing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas, with Yellow Alerts remaining in effect for multiple areas. Such conditions continue to disrupt transportation services and airport operations.

During periods of rain with strong winds, the limited sheltered space outside the terminal has made it difficult to accommodate large numbers of passengers waiting at the same time.

While a major expansion project is currently underway at Velana International Airport, including the construction of a new passenger terminal with the capacity to accommodate 7.5 million passengers annually, the government has assured that existing space constraints and operational challenges will be addressed once the project is completed.

However, citing previous instances of localized flooding and access difficulties at the airport during periods of heavy rainfall, industry experts continue to emphasize the need for all newly developed facilities to be resilient to the growing challenges posed by climate change.