Manta Air has raised concerns over the lack of uniformity in the implementation of the Foreign Exchange Act, calling for transparency and fairness from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).

In a statement, the airline revealed that directives issued under the new law had forced it to revise the salary structure of its employees. Previously, staff salaries were paid entirely in US dollars, but the company has now been required to convert 50 percent into Maldivian rufiyaa. Manta Air explained that this change was made following extensive internal assessments and consultations with the MMA.

The Foreign Exchange Act mandates that tourism-related businesses channel 20 per cent of their foreign currency revenue through banks. Manta Air emphasised that it still needs to pay in dollars for key operational expenses such as aircraft leasing, spare parts, insurance, oil, and airport charges. The airline assured employees that it is actively exploring options to reinstate full-dollar salaries as soon as possible.

Manta Air also highlighted discrepancies in policy enforcement, noting that Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) has received certain concessions from the MMA. However, even with concessions from MMA TMA has begun paying 20 percent of employee salaries in rufiyaa starting this month, with unconfirmed reports suggesting a possible full conversion to rufiyaa in the near future.

Reaffirming its commitment to employee welfare, Manta Air urged the MMA to ensure consistent application of foreign exchange regulations across all operators.