Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has said budget airlines will reduce the shock to demand caused by soaring ticket prices around the world. He made the remark speaking at the ceremony held to inaugurate Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operations in the Maldives.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Mausoom said flight tickets are becoming more expensive due to rising oil prices in the world market and that budget airlines operating in the Maldives will reduce the shocks caused by ticket price increases. The minister also said the new route from Abu Dhabi will strengthen connectivity between the Maldives and the rest of the world, adding it will enhance connectivity between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Maldives.
Budget carrier Wizz Air Abu Dhabi launched its first flight to Velana International Airport (VIA) on October 4. The route will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday in October from Abu Dhabi. The carrier will increase the frequency of the flights six times a week in November, eventually operating daily from December. The ticket fare is USD97.
In a statement, the airline said the launch of the new route falls in line with its expansion plans and will be operated by its brand new state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft.