Revenue collected from the Airport Development Fee (ADF) and Departure Tax increased significantly during the first five months of the year, according to the latest figures released by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).

The data shows that a combined MVR 1.8 billion was collected from the two charges between January and May, representing a 21.1 percent increase compared to the MVR 1.5 billion recorded during the same period last year.

Departure Tax collections reached MVR 928 million during the first five months of the year, up from MVR 769 million in the corresponding period of the previous year.

This reflects growth of 20.6 percent.

Meanwhile, revenue generated through the Airport Development Fee rose to MVR 942 million, compared to MVR 774 million collected during the same period last year.

The increase represents growth of 21.6 percent.

Both fees are charged to passengers departing from Maldivian airports.

The Departure Tax was introduced on January 1, 2022, while the Airport Development Fee has been applied to international passengers departing from Velana International Airport since May 2017.

Certain categories of travelers remain exempt from the charges.

Departure Tax exemptions include passengers with diplomatic immunity, transit travelers, and children under the age of two.

Exemptions from the Airport Development Fee apply to passengers with diplomatic immunity and direct transit passengers.