The Maldives has collected more than MVR 1 billion in airport taxes and fees so far this year, driven by a rise in tourist arrivals and higher tax rates, official data showed.
According to the Finance Ministry, the state received MVR 1.2 billion in Airport Taxes and Fees (ATFs) as of 15 May, up from MVR863.4 million during the same period last year.
This year’s revenue includes MVR 614.4 million from departure taxes and MVR 617.5 million from airport development fees, the ministry said.
The increase in collections comes amidst a steady recovery in the country’s tourism sector and follows a revision in departure tax rates that took effect on 1 December 2024.
Under the current structure, foreign passengers in economy class pay US$50 in departure tax and US$50 in airport development fees. Business class and first-class travellers are charged US$60 and US$90 respectively for departure tax, and US$120 and US$240 respectively for the development fee. Passengers on private jets pay the highest rates — US$120 in departure tax and US$480 in development fees.
Maldivian nationals pay lower rates, with economy class departure tax and development fee set at US$12 each.
Exemptions from the departure tax apply to transit passengers, children under two years old, and individuals with diplomatic immunity. Airport development fee exemptions apply to transit passengers and diplomats.