The State collected more than MVR 600 million in airport-related taxes and fees during the first two months of the year, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

Figures from the ministry’s latest Weekly Fiscal Development Report show that MVR 331.4 million was collected as departure tax during the period. This represents an 18 per cent increase compared to the MVR 280.5 million collected in the same period last year.

Revenue from the Airport Development Fee (ADF) also increased during the first two months of the year. The State collected MVR 317.7 million from ADF during the period, compared to MVR 279.3 million in the corresponding period last year, marking an increase of 13.7 per cent.

In total, the State generated MVR 649.1 million from Airport Development Fees and departure taxes during the first two months of the year. This is an increase of 15.9 per cent compared to MVR 559.8 million collected during the same period last year.

Departure tax was introduced on 1 January 2022, while the Airport Development Fee has been charged on passengers departing from Velana International Airport (VIA) since 1 May 2017.

Passengers with diplomatic immunity, transit passengers and children under the age of two are exempt from departure tax, while direct transit passengers and diplomats are also exempt from the Airport Development Fee.