International Air Transport Association (IATA) has stated Maldivian airlines are expected to face huge losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
IATA stated the airlines will face major losses which will be challenging to recover from since the COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the global transportation system. In this regard, IATA said airlines will face a loss of USD 507 million this year, forecasting about 28,000 employees in the aviation industry will lose their jobs. IATA expects the Maldivian airlines will carry 40% fewer passengers which is a decrease of about 2.42 million passengers.
Meanwhile, speaking to PSM News, Chief Marketing Officer of Manta Air Ahmed Maumoon said it is evident the airlines will face huge losses this year. Noting all international operations are on halt, Maumoon revealed international operations contribute to 80% of the sector. He added the remaining 20% is from domestic operations, revealing domestic operations are also interrupted due to lack in demand for travelling.
Furthermore, Maumoon said aviation staff must be paid with a reasonable pay due to their scope of work. He said the airlines will be operating in a loss for the next three months from April, highlighting time will be consumed to return to normalcy.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has revealed about two international flights currently land at Velana International Airport (VIA) on a daily basis.