The Maldives collected USD 194.6 million in airport development fees and departure taxes during the first eight months of 2026, reflecting continued strength in international passenger movement and the country’s aviation and tourism sectors.
According to figures released by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), combined revenue from the two charges increased by 7.3 per cent compared with the same period of 2025, when collections stood at USD 181.6 million.
Passengers departing the Maldives are subject to two separate charges: departure tax and the airport development fee. Revenue generated through these charges represents an important component of government revenue linked to international travel and the continued expansion of the country’s aviation infrastructure.
Departure tax collections reached USD 97.3 million between January and August 2026, compared with USD 90.8 million during the corresponding eight-month period last year. This represents an increase of approximately 6.9 per cent.
Revenue from the airport development fee also reached USD 97.3 million during the period, rising from USD 90.8 million collected during the corresponding period of 2025, representing growth of approximately 6.8 per cent.
The increase comes as the Maldives continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations while investing substantially in aviation infrastructure, particularly at Velana International Airport, the country’s principal international gateway. Continued improvements to airport capacity, passenger services and related infrastructure are expected to support future growth in visitor arrivals and enhance the overall travel experience for international passengers.
The airport development fee has been charged to passengers departing internationally from Velana International Airport since 1 May 2017. Departure tax was subsequently introduced on 1 January 2022 as part of the country’s revenue framework for international passenger departures.
Certain categories of passengers are exempt from the applicable charges. Individuals entitled to diplomatic immunity, transit passengers and children below the age of two are exempt from departure tax. Exemptions from the airport development fee apply to individuals entitled to diplomatic immunity and direct transit passengers.
The growth in collections during the first eight months of the year highlights the broader contribution of international travel to government revenue and comes alongside ongoing efforts by the Government to expand and modernise the Maldives’ aviation infrastructure, strengthen connectivity and support the long-term development of the country’s tourism-driven economy.
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