Police Called to Investigate Drone Malfunction at VIA Terminal Ceremony

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has formally asked the police to investigate a troubling incident that occurred during the opening ceremony of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), where multiple drones unexpectedly fell from the sky mid-performance.

The event, held on Independence Day, was meant to be a grand showcase. Instead, the drone show took a dangerous turn just before the final display formation, when several drones reportedly lost control and crashed. Some drones are believed to be entirely lost, while the total number of affected units remains under review.

Official Letter Sent, Then Leaked

The request for an investigation was made in a letter sent on Monday by MACL’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Shareef, to Police Commissioner Ismail Naveen. Although the letter was intended for official use, it was soon leaked on social media, raising concerns over how internal documents are being handled.

Shareef said the incident was serious enough to warrant police involvement. “We're not equipped to investigate this on our own,” he said. “We're still trying to determine how many drones actually fell.”

He also expressed disappointment about the letter being made public without consent.

Suspected Interference or Technical Glitch?

The letter outlines a sequence of events suggesting possible external interference. According to MACL and the drone operators, the system functioned normally during rehearsals, with no sign of technical issues. However, on the night of the ceremony, drones suddenly lost signal and began falling—just moments before the final formation was to take place.

The letter further notes that signal interruptions were reported in multiple areas of the airport during the event, not limited to the drone operation system. Curiously, once the show ended and the system was reset, the drones reportedly functioned without any further problems.

Based on these findings, MACL suspects a third-party interference might have disrupted the drone frequencies, though the exact cause remains unclear. No specific group or individual has been named in connection with the incident at this stage.

Financial Impact and Safety Concerns

The malfunction led to significant losses for both MACL and the drone operators involved. The full extent of the damage is still being calculated, and Shareef noted that if MACL is held financially accountable, the company could face substantial costs.

Given the potential risks to public safety and infrastructure, as well as the financial implications, MACL emphasized the importance of a proper investigation.

The ceremony itself featured a large fireworks display alongside the drone show, with similar celebrations taking place in 19 locations across the Male’ region. The drone performance was meant to symbolize progress and innovation, but the mishap has now cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a celebratory occasion.

At this point, both MACL and the drone operators are still searching for answers. Whether the issue was caused by deliberate interference or an unexpected system failure remains to be determined. Until then, the investigation now rests in the hands of the Maldives Police Service.