MACL Implements Special Safety Measures Amid Haze Across Maldives

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 country.

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

MACL clarified that when visibility drops due to pollution or heavy rain, regulations require the company to implement additional safety protocols for aircraft. One key measure involves the temporary suspension of Visual Flight Rules (VFR), under which pilots navigate primarily by sight. In such cases, aircraft operate under Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR), which provide additional air traffic control support to maintain safe separation and navigation.

The company stated that it is standard procedure to switch from VFR to SVFR whenever visibility falls below five kilometres. MACL assured all international and domestic airlines, as well as passengers, that safety remains the top priority during these conditions.

Data from IQAir shows that 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,” indicating that the air is unhealthy for the general public.

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