The Maldivian state has collected more than USD 142.8 million in airport taxes and fees as of late August, marking a sharp 46 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Figures were published in the Ministry of Finance and Planning’s latest Weekly Fiscal Development Report, which attributes the surge to both higher tourist arrivals and the implementation of revised tax rates.
According to the report, revenue from Departure Tax and Airport Development Fee (ADF) reached USD 142.8 million by 28 August, a significant jump from the USD 97.3 million collected during the same period in 2023.
The government earned USD 71.3 million in Departure Tax between 1 January and 28 August — a 52.5 percent rise from the USD 48.4 million received last year.
Similarly, collections from the ADF also reached USD 71.3 million, reflecting a 51.5 percent increase from the USD 49.4 million recorded over the same timeframe in 2023. The ADF, first introduced in 2017, is charged on all passengers departing from Velana International Airport (VIA).
The higher figures are partly due to new rates introduced on 1 December 2023, which vary by passenger category and class of travel:
Departure Tax
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Economy Class: USD 12 (locals), USD 50 (foreigners)
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Business Class: USD 60 (locals and foreigners)
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First Class: USD 90 (locals and foreigners)
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Private Jet: USD 120 (locals and foreigners)
Airport Development Fee (ADF)
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Economy Class: USD 12 (locals), USD 50 (foreigners)
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Business Class: USD 120 (locals and foreigners)
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First Class: USD 240 (locals and foreigners)
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Private Jet: USD 480 (locals and foreigners)
Exemptions apply to diplomats, children under two, and transit passengers for Departure Tax, while the ADF exempts diplomats and direct transit passengers.
The Ministry noted that the rise in collections aligns with the post-pandemic rebound in tourism, highlighting the aviation sector’s pivotal role in driving state revenue. With record tourist arrivals continuing through 2024, officials expect airport tax collections to remain strong throughout the year.
The data underscores how strategic adjustments in tax policy, coupled with growing demand for Maldivian tourism, have significantly bolstered the state’s fiscal position.
