The number of daily scheduled international flights to Velana International Airport (VIA) have reduced from 40 to two, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the the ceremony held to mark the 54th anniversary of the airport, Acting Managing Director (MD) of Maldives Airports Company Pvt Ltd (MACL), Moosa Solih also revealed that domestic operations have also dropped down to around five flights against 50 flights per day.
He applauded the efforts taken by MACL on taking preventive steps against COVID-19 at VIA at a very early stage with guidance from Health Authorities.
Solih said that “I always believe that the most valuable asset of our company is our employees. Today, I especially applaud to all the dedicated and hardworking staff who are working at the airport during the current global crisis”.
He further stressed that, during the current pandemic, the employees who are working on the frontline at the airport are not only doing their job for the company, but it is their service for the nation.
In efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic Maldives has suspended issuing on-arrival visas and banned tourists arrival to the country from 27th March. Additionally, airlines have completely halted or significantly cut down on the frequency of flights all over the world.
