Maldives Airport Fees and Departure Taxes Generate USD 136.2 Million in Six Months

Revenue from airport development fees and departure taxes surged by 17.5% during the first half of the year, reaching a combined total of USD 136.19 million. According to the latest statistics from the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), this marks a significant increase from the USD 116.73 million collected during the same period last year. The growth was evenly distributed across both levies. Collections for the departure tax rose to USD 64.85 million, a 17% increase from the USD 58.82 million recorded in the previous year. Similarly, the airport development fee generated USD 64.85 million, reflecting an 18% climb from the USD 59.21 million collected during the equivalent timeframe last year. Currently, international passengers departing from Maldivian airports are subject to these two distinct levies. The airport development fee, specifically applied to those leaving Velana International Airport, has been in effect since May 1, 2017. The departure tax is a more recent addition, implemented on January 1, 2022. Certain groups remain exempt from these costs to facilitate diplomatic relations and travel convenience. Individuals with diplomatic immunity and direct transit passengers are exempt from both the departure tax and the airport development fee. Additionally, children under the age of two are granted an exemption from the departure tax. This revenue growth underscores the continued recovery and expansion of the Maldivian tourism sector, as increased passenger traffic directly bolsters the state's fiscal capacity to maintain and develop critical aviation infrastructure.