Revenue collected from the Maldives' airport development fee and departure tax increased by 17.5 percent during the first six months of the year, according to the latest figures released by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).

The two levies generated a combined total of USD 136.19 million during the first half of the year, compared with USD 116.73 million collected during the same period in 2025.

MIRA reported that departure tax collections reached USD 64.85 million, marking a 17 percent increase from the USD 58.82 million recorded during the corresponding period last year.

Revenue from the airport development fee also recorded strong growth, rising 18 percent year over year to USD 64.85 million, compared with USD 59.21 million collected during the first six months of 2025.

The departure tax came into effect on January 1, 2022, and is charged on passengers departing the Maldives on international flights.

The airport development fee has been collected since May 1, 2017, from international travelers departing through Velana International Airport.

Under existing regulations, several categories of passengers are exempt from paying the departure tax, including individuals with diplomatic immunity, transit passengers, and children under the age of two.

Diplomatic travelers and direct transit passengers are also exempt from paying the airport development fee.

The latest figures reflect continued growth in government revenue generated from international air travel as visitor arrivals and outbound passenger movements remain strong.