The funds generated from the Airport Development Fee (ADF) and Departure Tax saw a notable rise in the initial five months of the year, based on the most recent data shared by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).

The figures indicate that a total of MVR 1.8 billion was gathered from the two fees from January to May, signifying a 21.1 percent rise compared to the MVR 1.5 billion noted during the equivalent time frame last year.

Collections from the Departure Tax totaled MVR 928 million in the first five months of this year, an increase from MVR 769 million in the same timeframe last year.

This indicates an increase of 20.6 percent.

At the same time, income from the Airport Development Fee increased to MVR 942 million, versus MVR 774 million gathered in the same timeframe last year.

The rise indicates an expansion of 21.6 percent.

Passengers leaving from Maldivian airports are charged both fees.

The Departure Tax commenced on January 1, 2022, whereas the Airport Development Fee has been charged to international travelers leaving Velana International Airport since May 2017.

Specific groups of travelers are not subject to the fees.

Exemptions from Departure Tax apply to passengers with diplomatic immunity, transit passengers, and children younger than two years old.

The Airport Development Fee is exempt for passengers holding diplomatic immunity and those in direct transit.