The Ministry of Finance and Planning has reported that the Maldives collected more than MVR 2.2 billion in airport taxes and fees (ATF) by the end of August 2025, reflecting a 46 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. 

The figures were detailed in the Ministry’s Weekly Fiscal Development Report, which tracks State expenditure and revenue.

According to the report, MVR 1.1 billion was collected from departure tax between January and 28 August, representing a 52.5 per cent rise from the previous year. The airport development fee also brought in MVR 1.1 billion during the same period, an increase of 51.5 per cent year-on-year. Combined, these figures amount to MVR 2.2 billion in ATF revenue, MVR 1.5 billion higher than the same period in 2024.

Officials attributed the sharp rise in collections to the increase in tourist arrivals and the revised tax rates introduced on 1 December 2024. The departure tax, introduced in January 2022, applies to all passengers departing the country, while the airport development fee, implemented in May 2017, is levied on all passengers leaving Velana International Airport.

Under the current system, Maldivians pay USD 12 for economy class as departure tax, while expatriates pay USD 50. For business class passengers, both Maldivians and expatriates pay USD 60, and first-class passengers pay USD 90 each. Private jet passengers are charged USD 120. The airport development fee is charged separately, with Maldivians paying USD 12 in economy and expatriates USD 50. The rate for business class passengers is USD 120, while first-class passengers are charged USD 240, and private jet passengers USD 480. Certain groups remain exempt from these charges, including passengers under two years of age, individuals with diplomatic immunity, and some categories of transit passengers.