Revenue from airport taxes and fees increased by 11 percent in 2024 over the same period last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Finance. The state collected MVR 704.5 million as airport development fees (ADF) and departure tax as of 25 March.
The 11 percent increase translates to an additional MVR 71.2 million compared to the MVR 633.3 million collected over the same period in 2023.
Departure tax collections stood at MVR 348.5 million, while ADF contributed MVR 356 million. The state is expected to collect MVR 1 billion in departure taxes and an additional MVR 1 billion from ADF by the end of the year.
The airport service charge, formerly imposed as airport tax and fee, was abolished effective 31 December 2021, replaced by a departure tax levied since January 2022.
ADF is a fee charged from every passenger, including transit passengers, departing from Velana International Airport (VIA) — only those with diplomatic passports, and transit passengers traveling on a direct transit flight, are exempt.
Economy class passengers are charged US$12 for Maldivians and US$30 for foreigners, while business class passengers, first class passengers, and private jet passengers are levied US$60, US$90, and US$120 respectively.
Departure tax is also charged at the same rate.