Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) has decided to change ticket prices following the decision of Regional Airports Company Limited to increase the ground handling fees of six domestic airports.
Speaking to PSM News, Deputy Managing Director of IASL Aishath Jennifer said that the national airline, Maldivian, is always working to maintain a consistent price for tickets. However, she said the change in ground handling fees at domestic airports had brought changes to ticket prices. She said the biggest change was brought to the ticket price of Kaadedhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. As such, she noted that the ticket prices for Kaadedhdhoo have been increased by USD12.5. She also noted that ticket prices for flights to Addu City have been increased by USD4.9 and ticket prices for flights to Kadhdhoo Airport in Laamu Atoll have been increased by USD6.4.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Regional Airports Company Mohamed Rizvi earlier said the ground handling rates were 20 years old and that the fee was hiked by 10% to increase the revenue of the airports. He said none of the airports are profitable and that hiring more employees adds to the cost.
The government established the Regional Airports Company in 2020 to improve the operations of airports in the atolls. The company is currently operating Hoarafushi Airport, Kulhudhuffushi Airport, Funadhoo Airport, Maavarulu Airport, Fuvahmulah Airport, and Haminaadhoo International Airport.