Many obstacles in lowering domestic air travel fare: Ameen

Maldives tourism and civil aviation minister Mohamed Ameen said domestic airfares are difficult to cut because current ticket prices do not match airline operating expenses. Speaking during an MP’s question in Parliament, Ameen said the ATR aircraft used on domestic routes require major costs to run, and that ticket levels are not above operational costs. He noted that fuel prices rose after the Middle East war began, but fares were not increased for residents. Ameen attributed the challenge to limited passenger demand and the need for efficient operations. Although national carrier Maldivian kept domestic fares unchanged, it raised tourist ticket prices in April after jet fuel sold by MACL at Velana International Airport increased from USD 1.19 to USD 1.99.