The Government of Maldives collected MVR 2.2 billion in revenue from departure taxes and airport development fees in 2024, according to the latest annual report by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).

The increase reflects growth in both international departures and tourist arrivals. The figures shows that MVR 1.1 billion was generated through departure tax collections, 12.1 per cent above MIRA’s estimate of MVR 1 billion for the year, and 15 per cent higher than the MVR 988 million collected in 2023.

Similarly, the State earned MVR 1.1 billion in airport development fees in 2024, marking a 14.3 per cent increase compared to the previous year’s MVR 1 billion, and 14.1 per cent above projected revenue.

MIRA attributed the rise in earnings to an 8.76 per cent increase in tourist arrivals and a 10 per cent surge in outbound passengers from Maldivian airports during the period. A total of 2,046,615 tourists visited the Maldives in 2024, up 8.9 per cent from 2023.

The departure tax, introduced on January 1, 2022, applies to all travellers departing from airports across the country. The airport development fee, however, is levied specifically on passengers leaving from Velana International Airport.

Under current regulations, Maldivian passengers in economy class pay USD 12 in departure tax and airport development fees, while foreigners in the same class are charged USD 30. For business and first-class passengers, the fee is USD 60 and USD 90 respectively, regardless of nationality. All private jet passengers, Maldivian or foreign, are charged USD 120.

The rise in aviation-related revenue is seen as a positive indicator for the country’s fiscal outlook, with the funds contributing to infrastructure development and service improvements in the aviation sector.