The Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) announced that it will increase ground handling fees at 6 domestic airports it manages.
Domestic airports currently managed by RACL are;
- Hoarafushi Airport | HA. Atoll
- Hanimaadhoo Airport | HDh. Atoll
- Kulhudhuffushi Airport | HDh. Atoll
- Funadhoo Airport | Sh. Atoll
- Maavarulu Airport | GDh. Atoll
- Fuvahmulah Airport | Gn. Atoll
RACL charges a ground handling fee from inbound flights for services including cargo and ramp services, rendered between the flight landing and takeoff.
Moreover, RACL’s Managing Director Mohamed Rizvy said that the company decided to change the fees since the current fees were set 15 years ago, and need to be updated. He also said that the decision also reflects RACL’s aim to increase its revenues.
“We are currently holding internal discussions regarding the matter,” Rizvy said.
While the company has confirmed ground handling fees at multiple domestic airports will increase, Rizvy assured that the price will not exceed a 10% increment. Moreover, RACL did not confirm when the new prices will go into effect, but it is expected that the change will become effective within the next two to three months.
Earlier, Kaadehdhoo Airport, which is managed by the Villa Group, reportedly increased its ground handling fees by 400%. Meanwhile, it is understood that the airlines operating in the Maldives, which mainly depend on tourist arrivals, will likely be impacted by RACL’s decision.