The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has completed training for staff who will operate the passenger boarding bridges at Velana International Airport’s (VIA) new passenger terminal, scheduled to open on July 26.
The passenger boarding bridges, a first for the Maldives, will enable passengers to directly board or disembark from aircraft without the need for shuttle buses, offering a safer and more convenient transition between aircraft and terminal.
According to MACL, 46 employees have been trained to operate these systems. Fourteen of the trainees received advanced training in Malaysia, equipping them with international exposure to industry standards and best practices.
The comprehensive training program included simulator exercises to ensure staff could handle the boarding bridges efficiently and safely before transitioning to live operations. MACL stated that the trained employees will also play a role in mentoring and training additional staff locally in the future.
The introduction of passenger boarding bridges is part of the new terminal’s wider modernization efforts aimed at enhancing passenger experience and aligning airport operations with global standards.