Haze Reduces Visibility, Disrupts Flight Operations at Velana Airport

Persistent haze drifting over the Maldives from the Indian subcontinent has significantly reduced visibility at Velana International Airport, leading authorities to intermittently suspend standard flight operations.

Seasonal easterly winds associated with the northeast monsoon have brought fine particulate pollution across the region, cutting visibility to as low as below 2 kilometres in some areas. Under such conditions, the airport has had to halt flights operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and instead activate Special VFR procedures to maintain safe, limited movements. 

Special VFR allows aircraft to operate closer to the ground with explicit air traffic control clearance when normal visibility standards are not met, but aviation experts say its frequent use underscores the severity of the current haze. 

The low visibility also presents challenges for the Maldives’ busy seaplane network, which relies entirely on visual conditions for safe take-offs and landings between resort islands and Velana International Airport. 

Officials have stressed the importance of ongoing monitoring and timely public advisories to safeguard both aviation safety and community health as the haze persists.