Domestic airfare reduced as pledged

The national airline Maldivian has reduced ticket prices for domestic travel to fulfil a campaign pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

“Ease of movement between our islands is an essential feature of the #JazeeraRaajje we pledged to the Maldivian people,” the president tweeted after the state-owned Island Aviation Services announced Wednesday evening that an overall reduction between 25 to 30 percent in all local sectors will take effect on January 10.

With domestic airfare more expensive than travel to neighbouring countries, the much-anticipated price reduction was part of the first 100-day action plan of the new administration.

But the announcement, which came days later than promised by the transport minister, has drawn criticism and sparked debate on whether prices have been significantly lowered.