New Airport Tax Amendments Now in Effect

A significant amendment to the Airport Taxes and Fees Act has come into effect today, impacting passengers departing from the Maldives. Under the new regulations, foreign travelers will face higher Airport Development Fees at Velana International Airport, while only the departure tax will be applied at other international airports in the country.

The changes introduce a rise in fees across various passenger categories. Economy class fares will increase from USD 30 to USD 50, while business class fares will jump from USD 50 to USD 120. First-class fares will see the largest rise, from USD 90 to USD 240, and fees for private jets will go up from USD 120 to USD 480.

These adjustments are part of the government’s broader fiscal reform plan, with an expected increase in revenue of USD 169 million. However, Maldivian passengers flying in economy class will see no changes in their fees. In 2023, the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) collected USD 65.5 million in Airport Development Fees and USD 64.1 million in departure taxes.