¶ Introduction
This OPMAN (OPeration MANual) presents all the air procedures and rules applicable in the airspace of Male (VRMF FIR).
In addition, the airports of Male Airport (VRMM) is detailed (IFR and VFR procedures).
This document is the responsibility of the HQ ATC department. For any questions/comments, you can contact them via the following e-mail address : a-srdep@ivao.aero
Link of the national eAIP : https://www.macl.aero/corporate/services/operational/ans/aip
¶ History of modifications
| Version | Modifications | VID | Validation month |
|---|---|---|---|
| VMRF_01 | Document creation | 610609 | 11/2025 |
¶ Documentary organization
The OPMAN is divided into 3 mains parts:
- General rules and procedures (GEN)
This section will address national regulations and requirements, applicable units of measure, and services.
- En-route (ENR)
This section will cover ATS airspace, ATS routes, navigation aids and systems, and navigation hazards (P, R, D zones, ...).
- Aerodromes (AD)
This section will discuss aerodromes and heliports.
And three annexes :
- ANNEX 1 : Quick Handle Memo of the FIR
This annex will summaries all important information needed while controlling.
- ANNEX 2 : FRA restrictions inside the FIR
This annex while present every different position in the FIR and the FRA associated.
- ANNEX 3 : List all the LoAs concerning the FIR
This annex will list all the LoAs – if existing – in the FIR.
¶ GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES (GEN)
¶ Visual flight rules
Except for the case of special VFR; VFR flights, in D airspaces, will be conducted under the conditions detailed below :
- ceiling above 300m (1 000ft),
- visibility of more than 5km.
Unless authorized by ATS, VFR flights will only be conducted below FL200.
Except for operational purposes (take-off, landing), no VFR flights will be conducted below 300m (1 000ft) of height from heavily populated areas ; within a radius of 600m.
Except for these areas, the overflight height must be 150m (500ft) above the ground, or ocean.
Unless otherwise authorized, the sending of a flight plan is mandatory. All boxes (1 to 18) must be completed.
¶ Instrument flight rules
An aircraft in IFR flight in the cruise phase within controlled airspace will use a cruise level. See Appendix 3 of ICAO Annex 2.
Aircraft in IFR flight, shall report position as specified in 3.6.3 of ICAO Annex 2 for controlled flights (time, level, next position). These positions reports must be respected.
IFR departures from an uncontrolled aerodrome must contact the Area Control Center.
The Transition Altitude of Male FIR is 11 000 feet. The first usable flight level is FL130.
An IFR flight plan must be sent and completed.
¶ ATS airspace classification
ATS airspaces are classified and designated as detailed in ICAO Annex 11, Chapter 2.6. No specific rules are complementary.
¶ Rules of the air
The following requirements are applicable for the use of lateral offset within Male FIR :
- Offset maybe applied outside Male’ TMA
- The offset shall be established at a distance of one or two nautical miles to the right of the center line relative to the direction of flight.
- Position reports are to be based on the current ATC clearance and not the exact coordinates of the offset from track is ‘Male’ Control, Maldives 249, position BAXOS 05321. flight level 280, estimate...etc.’.
¶ Units used inside the FIR
| For measurement of | Unit used |
|---|---|
| Distance used in navigation, position reporting, etc - generally in excess of 2 NM | Nautical Miles and tenths (NM) |
| Relatively short distances such as those relating to aerodromes (e.g., runway lengths) | Metres (m) |
| Altitudes, elevations and heights | Feet (ft) |
| Horizontal speed including wind speed | Knots (kts) |
| Vertical speed | Feet per minute (ft/min) |
| Wind direction for landing and taking off | Degrees Magnetic (° M) |
| Wind direction except for landing and taking off | Degrees Celcius (° C) |
| Visibility, incl. runway visual range | Kilometres (km) / Metres (m) |
| Altimeter setting | Hectopascal (hPa) |
| Temperature | Degrees Celcius (° C) |
| Weight | Metric tonnes (t) / Kilograms (kg) |
| Time | Hours and minutes, beginning at midnight UTC (hhmm) |
¶ EN-ROUTE (ENR)
¶ ATS airspaces
¶ Horizontal sectorizations, CTR, CTA and TMA
See below the ATC frequencies and the different airspace classes.
¶ Vertical sectorizations, CTR, CTA and TMA
| Name (Languages) |
Laterals limits | Verticals limits | Areas and conditions | Callsign and Frequencies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male TMA (English) |
See Annex 2 | FL285/FL460 | TMA A airspace |
Male Approach VRMM_APP 119.700 MHz |
| 2 500ft/FL285 | TMA D airspace |
|||
| Maafaru CTR (English) |
SFC/6 000ft | TMA D airspace |
Maafaru Towe VRDA_TWR 118.600 MHz |
|
| Dharavandhoo CTR (English) |
SFC/6 500ft | TMA D airspace |
Dharavandhoo Tower VRMD_TWR 118.250 MHz |
|
| Gan CTR (English) |
SFC/8 500ft | TMA D airspace |
Gan Tower VRMG_TWR 119.100 MHz |
|
| Hanimaadhoo CTR (English) |
SFC/8 500ft | TMA D airspace |
Hanimaadhoo Tower VRMH_TWR 118.500 MHz |
|
| Kadhdhoo CTR (English) |
SFC/3 500ft | TMA D airspace |
Kadhdhoo Tower VRMO_TWR 118.300 MHz |
|
| Fuvahmulah CTR (English) |
SFC/3 500ft | TMA D airspace |
Fuvahmulah Tower VRMR_TWR 118.150 MHz |
|
| Kaadedhdhoo CTR (English) |
SFC/3 500ft | TMA D airspace |
Kaadedhdhoo Tower VRMT_TWR 119.400 MHz |
|
| Maamigili CTR (English) |
SFC/3 500ft | TMA D airspace |
Maamigili Tower VRMV_TWR 118.900 MHz |
¶ Horizontal sectorizations, FIR and UIR
Below, the sectors adjacent to the FIR of Name.
| Name (Languages) | Callsign | Frequencies |
|---|---|---|
| Male FIR (English) | VRMF_CTR (Male Control) | 123.900 MHz |
| Mumbai FIR (English) | VABF_OC_CTR (Mumbai Radio) | 132.600 MHz |
| Melbourne FIR (English) | YMMO_CTR (Merlbourne Oceanic) | 120.100 MHz |
| Colombo FIR (English) | VCCF_CTR (Colombo Radar) | 124.900 MHz |
| Chennai FIR (English) | VOMF_CTR (Chennair Control) | 134.250 MHz |
| Mauritius FIR (English) | FIMM_CTR (Mauritius Centre) | 129.300 MHz |
According to the previous table, here is the representation of the FIR airspace of Male.
¶ Vertical sectorizations, FIR and UIR
| Name (Languages) |
Laterals limits | Verticals limits | Areas and conditions | Callsign and Frequencies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male FIR (English) |
See Annex 2 | FL285/FL460 | FIR A airspace |
Male Control VRMF_CTR 123.900 MHz |
| SFC/FL285 | FIR D airspace |
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¶ ATS Route
¶ Conventional routes
This section details the conventional routes in the airspace.
| Designation of the route | Level | Route designation (FIX)* | Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| G454 | Even ⇆ Odd | PADLA ⇆ BOBOD | / |
| G465 | SEBLO ⇆ ELKEL | ||
| R329 | Odd | POXOD ⇆ MLE | |
| Even | MLE ⇆ MOMMA | ||
| R457 | Even ⇆ Odd | OSERA ⇆ MLE |
¶ Area Navigation routes
This section details the aera navigation routes in the airspace.
| Designation of the route | Level | Route designation (FIX)* | Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L516 | Odd ⇆ Even | ELKEL ⇆ BUMMR | / |
| L756 | RUSAL ⇆ MLE | ||
| L894 | Even ⇆ Odd | SUNAN ⇆ BIBGO | |
| L899 | Odd ⇆ Even | BIBGO ⇆ TELAR | |
| M512 | DODPO ⇆ TELIG | ||
| N628 | LEVLU ⇆ SABEK | ||
| P756 | Even ⇆ Odd | UBKIN ⇆ MLE | |
| T644 | Odd ⇆ Even | VRMV ⇆ ONATO | |
| Q544 | Even ⇆ Odd | VMRT ⇆ VRMK | |
| Q555 | VMRT ⇆ VRMO | ||
| Q566 | Odd ⇆ Even | VMRT ⇆ VRMR | |
| T456 | Even ⇆ Odd | MLE ⇆ GAN | |
| Q533 | Odd ⇆ Even | VRMU ⇆ VRMK | |
| Y991 | Even ⇆ Odd | MLE ⇆ VRMH | |
| Y992 | MLE ⇆ VRMH | ||
| Y993 | MUNUT ⇆ VRMH | ||
| Z652 | Odd ⇆ Even | MLE ⇆ GAN | |
| Q511 | VRMU ⇆ IGRAM | ||
| Q522 | VRMU ⇆ MAMSO | ||
| Z749 | Even ⇆ Odd | MLE ⇆ GAN |
¶ Radio navigation aids/systems en-route
| Name of station | ID | Frequency | Coordinates | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male VOR |
MLE | 114.700 MHz | 04°12’23”N 0773°31’39”E |
Coverage 200 NM |
¶ Navigation warnings
¶ Prohibited areas
No prohibited areas in Male FIR.
¶ Restricted areas
No restricted areas in Male FIR.
¶ Danger areas
No danger areas in Male FIR.
¶ Specials areas
| Identification | Lower/Upper limits | Remarks | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VR(T) - CHALI (TRA) |
SFC | 2 500ft AMSL | Light ACFT Training Areas | |
| VR(T) - EASTA (TRA) |
||||
| VR(T) - NORTH (TRA) |
||||
| VR(T) - SIERA (TRA) |
||||
| VR(T) - WISKY (TRA) |
||||
| VR(T) - AREA 1 (TRA) |
SFC | 1 000ft AMSL | Seaplane (VFR) Training Areas | |
| VR(T) - AREA 2 (TRA) |
5 000ft AMSL | |||
| VR(T) - AREA 3 (TRA) |
||||
¶ AERODROMES (AD)
¶ Velena – VRMM
¶ Airport Information
| Informations | |
|---|---|
| ICAO Code | VRMM |
| IATA Code | MLE |
| Airport name | Velena Intl. Airport (maldives) |
| Time zone conversion | UTC + 5h |
| Coordinates of the reference point and location of the airfield | 04°11’30”N 073°31’45”E |
| Direction and distance from (city) | 051° / 2.8km of Male |
| Altitude / temperature reference | 2m (8 feet) / 32°C |
| Magnetic declination | 3° W |
| Permitted traffic types | IFR / VFR |
| Runway | 18 / 36 |
¶ Characteristic of the runway
The runway 18 - 36 has the following features :
| Description of the runway | Runway 18 | Runway 36 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions of runway (m) | 3 400 x 60 | 3 400 x 60 |
| True and Mag Brg | 179° True / 183° Mag | 359° True / 003° Mag |
| Strength (PCN) and surface of runway | 80/F/B/W/T - Asphalt | 80/F/B/W/T - Asphalt |
| Threshold coordinates | 04°12’31”N 073°31’51”E |
04°11’06”N 073°31’51”E |
| Threshold elevation | Threshold 2m (8ft) | Threshold 2m (8t) |
| TORA (m) | 3 400 | 3 400 |
| TODA (m) | 3 700 | 3 700 |
| ASDA (m) | 3 400 | 3 400 |
| LDA (m) | 2 960 | 3 035 |
¶ ATS Communication facilities
| Designation service | Callsign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Center | Male Control (VRMF_CTR) |
129.300 MHz |
| Approach | Male Approach (VRMM_APP) |
119.700 MHz |
| Tower | Male Tower (VRMM_TWR) |
118.100 MHz |
¶ Radio navigation and landing aids
| Name of station | ID | Frequency | Coordinates | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male VOR |
MLE | 114.700 MHz | 04°12’23”N 0773°31’39”E |
Coverage 200 NM |
¶ Local airport regulation
¶ Automatic Terminal Information Service
The ATIS must be completed in English.
At the beginning of the session, please fill out the ATIS correctly. The transition altitude (TA) is 11 000ft. The transition level (TL) is FL130.
There is no preferential runway, ILS are available for both. Any special information can be marked in the "remarks" box.
| ATIS station | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Male Information | 125.500 MHz |
¶ Traffic areas
The tower will assign a gate number to arriving aircraft. General aviation aircraft will be required to use their designated apron area.
¶ Aircraft gate management
Located in front of the terminal (North apron), the commercial aviation parking lot has 21 parking spaces for the different categories (see below).
| Stand | Airlines' ICAO | Aircraft types |
|---|---|---|
| A1 - A9 | DQA - VQI | AT76 |
| 1 - 6 | SIA - AIC - UAE - ALK | A359 - A320 - B77W - A333 |
| 7 - 12 | ETD - GFA - FDB | B78X - A21N - B38M |
| Fret | Name | ICAO |
| F1 - F4 | Any (Storage) | Any |
¶ Squawk code
For better traffic management in the Male airspace, here are the squawk codes to assign to traffic according to their destination.
| Flight | Code |
|---|---|
| International | 7400 - 7477 |
| Domestic | 0200 - 0277 3401 - 3477 |
¶ Characteristics of the taxiways
Please find bellow the different taxiway :
| Taxiways ID | Connecting area |
|---|---|
| A | Main apron |
| B3 - B9 | Main apron <> C |
| C | B <> D |
| D1 - D7 | Runway <> C |
| E | Runway <> South apron |
| F & G | C <> Cargo apron |
¶ CTR description
Male airport has a class D CTR, starting from the surface, and going up to 6 000ft AMSL. The aerodrome traffic circuit is not published.
¶ VFR entries, exits, transits in CTR
CTR entries, exits and transit are normally made after coordination with the approach controller. VFR transits will pass vertically from the airport at least 500ft above the presume/published aerodrome traffic patterns altitude (1 000ft AGL).
¶ TMA area description
The control sector of Name represents one TMA. The responsible ATC station is the Name approach.
¶ Specials areas (TMA area)
| Identification | Lower/Upper limits | Remarks | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VR(T) - AREA 1 (TRA) |
SFC | 1 000ft AMSL | Seaplane (VFR) Training Areas | |
| VR(T) - AREA 2 (TRA) |
5 000ft AMSL | |||
| VR(T) - AREA 3 (TRA) |
||||
¶ Standard instrument departure (SID)
| Runway | RNAV or Conventional SID | Altitude init or FLinit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWY 18 | AQAXA 1A | RNAV | By ATC | |
| ATISA 1A | ||||
| ATSON 1A | ||||
| ELBET 1A | ||||
| ESKOL 1A | ||||
| IGRAM 1A | ||||
| HOKEY 1A | ||||
| MISAQ 1A | ||||
| MUNUT 1A | ||||
| PATLO 1A | ||||
| PILIK 1A | ||||
| TENIV 1A | ||||
| AQAXA 2B | CONV | |||
| DOPDO 2B | ||||
| ESKOL 2B | ||||
| GOKAM 2B | ||||
| KAGUM 2B | ||||
| KAGUM 2D | ||||
| LELEM 2B | ||||
| MUGBA 2B | ||||
| RWY 36 | AQAXA 1B | RNAV | By ATC | |
| ATISA 1B | ||||
| ATSON 1B | ||||
| ESKOL 1B | ||||
| IGRAM 1B | ||||
| HOKEY 1B | ||||
| MISAQ 1B | ||||
| PATLO 1B | ||||
| TENIV 1B | ||||
| AQAXA 2A | CONV | |||
| ATISA 2A | ||||
| AQAXA 2C | ||||
| DOPDO 2A | ||||
| ESKOL 2A | ||||
| GOKAM 2A | ||||
| LELEM 2A | ||||
| MUGBA 2A | ||||
¶ Standard instrument terminal arrival (STAR)
| Runway | RNAV or Conventional STAR | Remarks | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWY 18 | AQAXA 1B | RNAV | 210kt maximum on 4 000ft (BENKU) | |
| ATSON 1B | ||||
| DALSO 1B | ||||
| ELBET 1B | ||||
| ESKOL 1B | ||||
| HOKEY 1B | ||||
| MISAQ 1B | ||||
| MUNUT 1B | ||||
| PATLO 1B | ||||
| PILIK 1B | ||||
| TENIV 1B | ||||
| AQAXA 2B | CONV | 3 500ft (IAF) | ||
| ATISA 2B | ||||
| ATISA 2D | ||||
| DOPDO 2B | ||||
| ESKOL 2B | ||||
| GOKAM 2B | ||||
| LELEM 2B | ||||
| MUGBA 2B | ||||
| 36 | AQAXA 1A | RNAV | 210kt maximum on 4 000ft (OPARI) | |
| ATSON 1A | ||||
| DALSO 1A | ||||
| ELBET 1A | ||||
| ESKOL 1A | ||||
| HOKEY 1A | ||||
| MISAQ 1A | ||||
| MUNUT 1A | ||||
| PATLO 1A | ||||
| PILIK 1A | ||||
| TENIV 1A | ||||
| AQAXA 2A | CONV | 3 500ft (IAF) | ||
| ATISA 2A | ||||
| ATISA 2C | ||||
| DOPDO 2A | ||||
| ESKOL 2A | ||||
| GOKAM 2A | ||||
| LELEM 2A | ||||
| MUGBA 2A | ||||
¶ Final Approach (FNA)
| Runway | Approach | IAF | FAF | Beacon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWY 18 | ILS X | OPARI | MM603 2 000ft |
IMN 109.7 MHz |
| ILS W | 12 DME ARC | 6.3 DME IMN 2 000ft |
IMN 109.7 MHz | |
| RNP Z | OPARI | MM604 2 000ft |
/ | |
| RWY 36 | ILS X | BENKU | MM601 2 000ft |
IMM 109.9 MHz |
| ILS W | 12 DME ARC | 6.3 DME IMN 2 000ft |
IMM 109.9 MHz | |
| RNP Z | BENKU | MM601 2 000ft |
/ |