The government has decided to reduce the airfare charged to tourists travelling on domestic routes operated by Maldivian Airlines.
The President’s Office said the issue was discussed during the Cabinet meeting held last Sunday, where measures to lower the fares offered to tourists were considered.
Maldivian increased its fares for tourists in April this year following a sharp rise in fuel prices linked to the conflict involving Iran. As part of the increase, an additional USD 33 was added to tickets for flights between Malé and Addu City, as well as Malé and Fuvahmulah.
An Island Aviation official, which handles ticket sales for Maldivian, previously explained that the fare adjustment was prompted by a significant increase in the price of jet fuel supplied at Velana International Airport.
According to the official, the price of jet fuel rose from USD 1.19 to USD 1.99 per litre, representing an increase of around 67 percent within a short period.
The rise in fuel prices came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, after Iran announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for attacks by the United States and Israel. The strategic waterway carries a significant share of the world’s oil supplies, and concerns over disruptions to oil shipments contributed to a sharp increase in global oil prices.
Even before the latest fare increase, tourists were charged higher airfares than Maldivian residents when travelling to domestic destinations.
The government’s latest decision is expected to reduce the cost of domestic air travel for tourists and make travel to the country’s southern and other regional destinations more affordable.
