Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) highlighted the technical expertise behind the operation of the Maldives’ main international aviation gateway during the National Engineers’ Day Children’s Evening held at Hulhumalé Central Park on Sunday, providing young participants with first-hand exposure to engineering and technical careers within the aviation industry.
The event, held from 16:00 to 18:00, was organised to increase awareness among children about the importance of engineering in national development while encouraging greater interest in science, technology and technical professions. MACL’s participation gave visitors an opportunity to understand how highly specialised engineering systems support the safe, efficient and continuous operation of Velana International Airport (VIA).
As the operator of Velana International Airport, MACL presented interactive displays and demonstrations covering seven important areas of airport operations: Water and Sewerage Services (WSS), the Mechanical Services Unit (MSU), Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Fuel Services, Information Technology (IT), Aerodrome Ground Aids (AGA), and Power Generation and Distribution (PGDD) and Electrical Services.
Engineers and technical personnel from MACL engaged directly with children and members of the public throughout the programme, explaining the practical functions of the systems required to keep the Maldives’ primary international airport operating around the clock. The demonstrations provided an accessible look at the extensive engineering infrastructure supporting airport terminals, airfield operations, utilities, fuel management, communications, electrical systems and other essential services.
The showcase also demonstrated the scale and technical complexity of managing Velana International Airport, which serves as the principal international gateway to the Maldives and plays a central role in supporting the country’s tourism industry, trade, transportation network and wider economy. Maintaining continuous airport operations requires coordination across a broad range of engineering and technical disciplines, supported by skilled professionals working across specialised operational units.
MACL personnel also shared their professional experiences with young visitors and introduced them to potential career pathways within airport engineering, technology and aviation operations. By connecting students directly with professionals working in these fields, the company sought to encourage greater interest in technical education and help young people understand the range of specialised careers available within the expanding aviation sector.
The initiative complements the Government’s broader emphasis on developing skilled Maldivian professionals and strengthening national human capital in sectors that are critical to long-term economic development. Aviation remains particularly important to the Maldives because of the country’s geographical structure and its position as a globally recognised tourism destination, making continued investment in technical capacity and specialised expertise an important component of the sector’s sustainable growth.
Velana International Airport continues to serve as a vital national infrastructure asset connecting the Maldives with major international markets and supporting the movement of millions of travellers. Alongside the continued development and expansion of airport infrastructure, building a strong domestic technical workforce will remain important for ensuring that increasingly sophisticated aviation facilities can be operated and maintained to high international standards.
Through its participation in National Engineers’ Day, MACL demonstrated both the engineering capabilities supporting the country’s main international airport and the importance of introducing the next generation to technical professions from an early age. The engagement also provided children with a practical understanding of how engineering contributes directly to aviation safety, reliability, national connectivity and economic development in the Maldives.
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