President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated a new fuel farm and hydrant system at Velana International Airport, in a ceremony held Thursday evening.

With the opening of the new fuel farm, storage capacity has increased from 13.5 million liters to 45 million liters. This represents a storage capacity increase of three times. Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL) completed this undertaking through a loan from China’s Exim Bank.

As part of the project, an 8.4 kilometer underground fuel hydrant system was also installed. The underground system eliminates the need for refuellers, enhancing safety and security standards and enhances fueling efficiency, safety, and sustainability to meet increasing demand and support long-haul flights.

Completed with strict adherence to international standards, this modern infrastructure ensures VIA is equipped for a strong, adaptable future, as per the President’s vision for the of the airport as laid out in the masterplan.

Following the launch of the fuel farm and hydrant system, the President had toured the airport.

Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef and senior government officials attended the ceremony.