Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has revised air traffic procedures in response to reduced visibility caused by deteriorating air quality and haze affecting parts of the Maldives.

In a statement, MACL said that it is required to implement additional safety measures whenever visibility falls below acceptable operational limits due to weather conditions such as haze or heavy rainfall.

These measures are carried out in line with established aviation regulations.

According to MACL, current visibility levels have led to the temporary suspension of Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

As a result, aircraft are now operating under Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR), which allow for safer navigation and enhanced air traffic assistance during periods of low visibility.

The company clarified that this practice is a long-standing and standard procedure, implemented whenever visibility drops below five kilometres.

MACL stressed that the protocol strictly complies with regulations issued by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority and the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

MACL further noted that due to ongoing haze conditions, VFR operations are being periodically suspended, with SVFR applied as necessary to ensure the continued safety of flight operations.