Maldivian working to lower domestic airfare, Ameen says

Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen stated Wednesday that Maldivian, the national airline, is working to reduce the cost of domestic air travel.

The minister made the statement in response to a question by Ibrahim Hussain, Member of Parliament for the People’s National Congress (PNC), during a parliamentary sitting.

MP Ibrahim Hussain raised concerns regarding the price of domestic flights operated by Maldivian between his constituency and Malé. He questioned why the fares had not reached a more accessible level for the public.

In response, Minister Ameen said efforts are ongoing to bring down ticket prices, noting that operational costs remain high.

“We are working to reduce ticket prices further despite the existing high costs,” he said.

MP Hussain also asked whether any airline had requested approval to operate flights to Phuket, and if so, why such approval had not been granted. Minister Ameen replied that he had not received information regarding any such application.

In a third query, MP Hussain addressed the condition and development of the airport in Fuvahmulah, referring to it as having only a "hall" rather than full airport facilities. He asked when work would begin to upgrade the airport as pledged during the presidential campaign.

Minister Ameen responded that the airport runway had already been developed to its maximum possible length. He stated there is no immediate need to expand the runway further to accommodate aircraft currently operating within the Maldives.

“There is no need to extend the runway at this time. However, we are making plans to improve other infrastructure and services related to the airport,” he said.

The minister added that the government expects implementation of these development plans to commence soon.