Island Aviation slashes domestic fares

Island Aviation Services Ltd announced Wednesday the reduction of domestic flight fares starting from January 10, as per the pledge made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration.

The Managing Director of Island Aviation, Mohamed Rizvi, told local media outlet Mihaaru that the prices have been reduced from 25 up to 30 percent.

“For instance, the maximum price of a return ticket to Addu (from Velana International Airport) was MVR 3,500. However, it will not be more than MVR 2,600 now,” said Rizvi.

While the general public has been anticipating the reduction of domestic flight fares from the state run airline, some travellers have reported that the current ticket fares are not 25 percent higher than the new range.

According to Mihaaru, one traveller reported that a one-way ticket to Dharavandhoo in Baa Atoll cost MVR 599 on Wednesday. The new price, however, amounts to a decrease of only around MVR 100.

The new fares announced by Island Aviation are the minimum and maximum prices for domestic fares:

- Male’/Hanimaadhoo/Male’ : MVR 1,610 - 2,226

- Male’/Ifuru/Male’ : MVR 1,500 - 2,056

- Male’/Dharavandhoo/Male’ : MVR1,562- 1,098

- Male’/Kudahuvadhoo/Male’: MVR 1,500-2,056

- Male’/Thimarafushi/Male’: MVR 1,610 - 2,226

- Male’/Kahdhoo/Male’ : MVR 1,610-2,226

- Male’/Kooddoo/Male’ : MVR 1,652 - 2,442

- Male’/Kaadehdhdhoo/Male’: MVR 1,652 -2,442

- Male’/Fuvahmulah/Male’ : MVR 1,698 - 2,598

- Male’/Gan(Addu)/Male’ : MVR 1,698 - 2,666

Rizvi stated that the most common customer complaint was the unavailability of seats at minimum price. Nonetheless, he promised that more tickets will be made available at the cheapest price to the vast majority, with Island Aviation aiming to provide 15,000 seats per month at the minimum price.