Fuel price surge forces Maldivian to increase fares for foreign passengers

Maldivian has increased ticket prices for foreign tourists after a sharp rise in jet fuel prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Sun has learned that the national airline raised tourist fares two days ago. The biggest increases apply to the longest domestic routes from Velana International Airport, with tickets to Addu and Fuvahmulah rising by USD 33 (MVR 510.18) per passenger.

The price hike applies only to tourist tickets; fares for Maldivian citizens remain unchanged.

The adjustment comes after the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) raised the price of jet fuel sold at VIA by 42 percent, increasing the rate from USD 1.19 to USD 1.69 per litre. Industry sources describe this as one of the steepest fuel price jumps in recent years. Without raising fares, Island Aviation Services Ltd will suffer drastically, experts say.

Global oil prices have surged following the United States’ announcement that it would close Iranian ports starting Monday as part of measures linked to the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, climbed nearly eight percent to USD 102 per barrel, while the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose nine percent to USD 105 per barrel. Before the conflict escalated, Brent crude traded at around USD 70 per barrel.