Data released by Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) showed that the revenue earned from airport development fees and departures taxes have increased by 30 percent compared to 2025.
According to the reports, the state received USD 71.15 million from both fees within the first three months. This is in contrast to the USD 56.34 million received in the year prior for the same period.
In departure taxes, USD 36.42 million was received, a 29.4 percent rise from the USD 28.14 million earned in 2025.
As for airport development fees, USD 37.06 million was recieved within the first three months. This marks a 31.2 percent growth from the same period last year.
Airport development fees are charged from each passenger flying abroad from Velana International Airport (VIA). This fee was established from 1st May 2017, whereas departure taxes were in effect from 1st January 2022.
Departure taxes will be exempted from transit passengers and children under two years of age. Also, airport development fees will be waived for direct transit passengers, whereas individuals with diplomatic immunity are exempt from both fees.