News

Domestic airfare can be reduced, new projects need to be introduced to expand VIA

Transition Committee has revealed the findings have showed airfare can be reduced from the domestic operations of Island Aviation Services Limited (IAS).

Speaking at a press conference held by the sub-committee tasked with reviewing state-owned enterprises, Ilyas Labeeb stated as reducing domestic air-fare is a presidential pledge of President-Elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, efforts to reduce the fare will commence as soon as the new government swears-in. Noting IAS did not fully cooperate with Transition Committee, Ilyas Labeeb said the committee is convinced the airfare can be reduced.

Moreover, speaking at the press conference regarding Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Ilyas Labeeb highlighted major projects must be introduced to conclude the expansion of Velana International Airport (VIA) after the new board is formed. In this regard, he noted the development project of the new passenger terminal constructed along with the new runway is on halt, however, the new runway must be put to use as soon as possible.

While there are 29 state-owned enterprises, the sub-committee noted there are major issues which need to be addressed by the new administration.