The Government has collected over MVR 2.5 billion in airport taxes and fees (ATF) as of September this year, according to the latest Weekly Fiscal Development Report issued by the Ministry of Finance.

The report revealed that MVR 1.2 billion was collected in departure tax between January 1 and September 18, marking a 51 per cent increase from the MVR 821 million collected during the same period last year.

Additionally, the Government earned MVR 1.3 billion in airport development fees as of September 18, compared to MVR 839 million during the same period in 2023, a 51.1 per cent rise.

Combined, the State’s total revenue from ATF reached MVR 2.5 billion, up from MVR 1.5 billion recorded last year. The Finance Ministry attributed the surge to higher tourist arrivals and revised tax rates.

According to recent data from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the Maldives has welcomed 1.7 million tourists so far this year, a 13 per cent increase compared to 1.5 million visitors during the same period in 2023.

The Government aims to attract 2.3 million tourist arrivals by the end of the year.