Maldivian Raises Ticket Prices for Tourists as Jet Fuel Costs Surge Amid Middle East Crisis

Maldivian has increased ticket prices for foreign passengers as the national airline adjusts to a sharp rise in jet fuel costs triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The price hike follows a 42% increase in the cost of jet fuel sold at Velana International Airport, after Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) raised rates from USD 1.19 to USD 1.69 per litre, marking one of the steepest jumps in recent years.

Maldivian has increased fares across multiple domestic routes following the rise in jet fuel prices. For example, flights to Addu City (GAN) and Fuvahmulah (FVM) now carry an additional USD 33 per sector, resulting in USD 66 more for a round trip. These southern routes are among the longest domestic sectors, with flight times of over an hour, making them more sensitive to fuel‑related cost changes.

The Middle East conflict has disrupted refining and shipping routes, tightening supply and pushing up global jet fuel prices. MACL’s adjustment reflects the higher import and handling costs now faced by fuel suppliers in the Maldives.

As a tourism dependent country where air travel is a primary gateway for visitors, any increase in aviation related costs creates a wider ripple effect across the economy. Higher fares and fuel related adjustments add to the overall cost of travel, placing additional pressure on a sector already sensitive to regional instability and global market conditions. These rising expenses can influence travel planning, length of stay, and overall visitor spending, ultimately affecting the broader tourism value chain.