The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has indicated that severe measures will be enforced against staff who misuse airport security passes granted for duties at Velana International Airport (VIA), contrary to set regulations.

The alert was given in a notice distributed to all MACL personnel and pertinent agencies. As stated in the circular, airport security passes are provided exclusively for official duties and for entry into specific restricted or controlled zones. Nonetheless, MACL reported that certain employees were seen accessing the Arrival Baggage Belt area, a Customs-controlled space, without any valid operational reason and interacting with passengers.

MACL stated that these actions might jeopardize aviation safety and interfere with airport and Customs functions. The circular specifies that “unauthorized use of the airport security pass will jeopardize aviation security and disrupt airport and Customs operations.”

According to the regulations outlined in the circular, security passes are to be utilized exclusively for official responsibilities, and their personal or non-operational use is forbidden. Employees cannot access the Customs area without explicit permission, nor engage with passengers unless necessary for official duties.

MACL cautioned that infractions will lead to administrative measures, which may include confiscation, suspension, or revocation of the security pass. The organization requested that all staff adhere completely to airport security regulations, protocols, and directives.