Cabinet approves plan to reduce Maldivian airfares for tourists

The Cabinet has decided to reduce airline ticket prices charged to tourists travelling on Maldivian, the country's national airline.

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held on Sunday and was announced by the President's Office on Tuesday night.

According to the President's Office, the Cabinet directed a review of fares charged to tourists by Island Aviation Services (IAS), which operates Maldivian, with the aim of reducing ticket prices.

No further details were released regarding the extent of the reduction or the timeline for implementation.

At present, Maldivian charges foreign tourists higher fares than those available to Maldivian citizens on a number of domestic routes.

It remains unclear whether the revised pricing structure will bring tourist fares in line with those paid by local passengers.

In April, the airline increased fares charged to tourists following an increase in global fuel prices linked to developments in the Middle East.

Domestic airfares have been a recurring concern for tourism operators, particularly those operating outside the Greater Malé region.

Guesthouse operators and resort representatives have frequently stated that the cost of domestic air travel can affect travel decisions and limit access to destinations in outer atolls.

Industry stakeholders have also argued that lower domestic transport costs could support tourism growth in areas located further from the capital.

The Cabinet's decision comes as the government continues efforts to support tourism and improve connectivity between Malé and destinations across the country.

Further information on the fare review is expected to be released at a later stage.