Transport Minister: Work underway to reduce domestic airfare

Transport Minister Ahmed Ameen acknowledged that the domestic airfare was far too high, and said that changes were being implemented within the Island Aviation to reduce the rates.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Ameen suggested the high airfare was due to the former MDP administration’s policies.

He said that during the last administration, Island Aviation suffered financial losses and recruited more employees than necessary.

“Island Aviation had been profitable up until 2018. The company didn’t need to touch state or taxpayer money until 2018, it was able to operate on its own,” he said.

Ameen said that during the transitional period, the new administration found Island Aviation’s performance had dropped between 2018 and 2023.

He said that the new administration has initiated multiple measures to address the issues. He said that Island Aviation’s management has been changed, and the company is undergoing administrative restructuring.

Ameen said that he believes the rate for domestic air travel will undergo positive changes once Island Aviation starts wide body operations and secures international opportunities under the administration’s ‘Hafuthaa 14’ roadmap.