Velaana International Airport Unveils New Fuel Farm and Hydrant System

Wednesday 13th of November 2024

On November 7, 2024, President Mohammed Muizzu officially inaugurated the new fuel farm and fuel hydrant system at Velaana International Airport (VIA), marking a major milestone in the airport's ongoing development. The event was attended by a range of dignitaries, including Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, ambassadors, and senior officials from the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

MACL CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohammed highlighted the significance of this upgrade, stating that VIA plays a crucial role in the nation’s growth. He emphasized that the new fuel infrastructure is a major advancement for the airport, which is undergoing substantial changes to meet rising operational demands.

The newly opened fuel farm is three times larger than the previous one, covering an area of 37,000 square feet. It can store up to 45 million liters of Jet A1 fuel, along with reserves of diesel and petrol. This expanded storage capacity is designed to meet the increasing needs of the airport as regional air traffic continues to rise.

A key feature of the upgrade is the 8.4 km long fuel hydrant system, which connects the storage area directly to the aircraft parking area. This system reduces vehicle movement on the airside, improving safety and speeding up the refueling process for airlines. The new system also enables faster, more efficient refueling, ensuring better service delivery to airlines and passengers.

The new fuel farm and hydrant system are fully operational and play a vital role in VIA's long-term goals. They are aligned with the broader vision outlined in President Muizzu's 20-year master plan, which aims to transform Velaana International Airport into a first-class aviation hub.