Jennifer: Reduced fares for tourists insufficient without increased flight frequencies

Aishath Jennifer, the former Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Island Aviation Services (IAS), has stated that reducing domestic airfares for tourists on the national carrier, Maldivian, alone will not significantly contribute to the growth of the tourism sector, and in this trajectory, emphasized the need to increase flight frequency and ensure seamless travel arrangements.

The government, on Tuesday night, announced that the Cabinet had decided on Sunday to review and reduce the domestic airfare rates charged to tourists by Island Aviation.

In a post on X regarding the decision, Jennifer emphasized Maldivian’s critical role in connecting tourists with resorts and guesthouses across the country.

Maldivain is providing an essential connecting service for tourists travelling to the resorts/guest houses. Frequency and reliable connectivity are critical if we want to fill the beds in the north and south of Malé.
If @MaldivianAero cannot provide adequate connectivity
1/3 https://t.co/0fIYolwc1k

— Aishath Jennifer (@JenniferAishath) August 18, 2026

She noted that filling accommodation capacity in the northern and southern atolls requires the establishment of reliable and high-frequency flight schedules.

Jennifer further cautioned that if Maldivian fails to provide adequate connectivity despite reducing ticket prices, the tourism industry could ultimately face negative consequences.

Illustrating her point, she said that high-end tourists traveling to luxury resorts such as Shangri-La in Addu would be unlikely to wait several hours in Male' for a connecting flight.

"Reducing ticket prices alone will not fill resort beds. If the connectivity, frequency and convenience are not there, tourists simply won’t choose those destinations," Jennifer stated.

She additionally highlighted that time is particularly valuable in the luxury tourism segment, making convenient transportation an integral component of the overall tourism experience.

While the government has decided to reduce Maldivian’s domestic fares in an effort to encourage tourists to travel to various regions of the Maldives, industry experts maintain that strengthening flight schedules and connectivity will be essential to ensuring the airline’s sustainable operation.