The government has revealed that further discussions will be held on reducing the domestic air fares from Maldivian Airways.

Following recommendations by his Cabinet of Ministers, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday announced the government’s decision to introduce a wide-body aircraft operation, starting direct flights from the country’s national airline, to tourist destinations.

Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office, Mohamed Shahyb revealed that the president reached this decision following a meeting with his cabinet on Sunday, after deliberations on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.

When inquired whether there were any discussions on reducing domestic airfares as well as the government’s stand on it, the spokesperson noted that it was not discussed at Sunday’s meeting.

The spokesperson revealed that once the project takes off, the country’s national airline will offer unceasing direct flights to select regions of China, Europe and South Africa.

As there are no direct flights from the countries with the highest number of visitors to the Maldives, 48 percent of tourists arrive through connecting flights.

Most tourists from Europe arrived in Maldives from connecting flights from the middle east.

Chinese destinations are identified as the top priorities of the project.

Once the operation begins, there will be a minimum of two or three weekly direct flights between that area and the Maldives.

The introduction of wide-body aircraft operations for the national airline is a key component of the Muizzu administration's 'Hafthaa 14' roadmap.