Complaints over airport taxis mount; authorities intervene

Several state institutions, including the Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), Transport Ministry and the police, engaged in emergency discussions on Tuesday, and drafted a plan to manage taxis at the country’s national airport – the Velana International Airport (VIA).

The move comes amid mounting complaints that taxis at the airport queue refuse to follow regulations.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Transport Ministry said that police have been deployed to the airport to take action against taxis that violate regulations.

It added that “harsh action” will be taken against expatriates involved.

The ministry said it has received multiple complaints, including complaints of taxi drivers refusing to travel to specific locations, taking on additional passengers, and charging higher fares than that set by the ministry.

The Transport Ministry, in collaboration with MACL, has put up boards with the set taxi fare rates at the airport, and introduced a QR code which people can use to submit complaints.

The ministry said it has received multiple complaints via the QR code regarding the services of taxis and private hires at the airport.

The ministry said it has set up a committee to review the complaints.