Maldivian Airlines: Can reduce ticket prices

Reducing the prices of domestic air transport is possible and work will be done to reduce ticket prices, says Island Aviation, which runs the national airlines, Maldivian Airlines.

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Aishath Nahula, on Wednesday, announced the government has set a standard to reduce domestic transport and said the standard will be announced within two days.

Managing Director of Island Aviation, Mohamed Rizvee reported to ‘Sun’ that the average fare for domestic transport at the moment is MVR 3,500, and that the company was working on finding ways to reduce ticket prices.

Rizvee said ticket prices will be lowered without compromising the company’s sustainability.

He said the company has discussed several options with the Ministry of Finance.

Rizvee denied rumors a standard to reduce ticket prices of Maldivian Airlines for domestic trips has already been set.

Minister Nahula, during a press conference last Wednesday, cautioned the reduction in ticket prices will only come to effect two to three works after the new standard is implemented.

Reduction of the price of domestic transport is one of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s electoral pledges, which he has promised to accomplish within his first 30 days in office.

Domestic air transport is currently only provided by Maldivian Airlines and Villa Air’s FlyMe. New airline Manta Air has announced plans to start domestic transport soon.