The Instrument Landing System (ILS) has been installed on the new runway at Maldives' main international airport, the Velana International Airport (VIA).
ILS is a navigation system that helps the pilot land the flight on the runway, even in bad weather.
According to the airport operator, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), ILS has already been installed at both ends of the new runway.
The new runway is 3,400 meters long and 60 meters wide. Construction of the new runway began in February 2017 during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen. The new runway is currently being used as a taxiway until it is used for official purposes. With this change, aircraft landing on the existing runway can park on the new runway without going to the end of the runway, which greatly reduces traffic.
A new passenger terminal is also being constructed under the VIA development project. The new terminal is being built to cater to seven million passengers a year.
