Maldives to Increase Departure Tax and Airport Development Fee

Starting from early 2022, the Maldives implemented a Departure Tax and an Airport Development Fee for all outbound flights. These charges are determined by the travel class and currently range between $30 and $120 per passenger. However, effective December 1, 2024, these fees will increase significantly, ranging from $50 to $480, representing a hike of up to 300%.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa (Source: Hyatt)

Changes Since 2022

Until the end of 2021, international passengers paid a flat $25 Airport Service Charge and $25 Airport Development Fee, totaling $50 regardless of travel class. In early 2022, the Airport Service Charge was eliminated, the Airport Development Fee was raised, and a new Departure Tax was introduced. Economy passengers have since paid $60, Business Class $120, and First Class $180. These fees are collected by airlines and are included in ticket prices.

Departure Tax Increase

The Departure Tax, introduced via amendments to the Airport Taxes and Fees Act on July 5, 2021, and ratified by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has applied to all international flights departing from the Maldives since January 1, 2022. The tax amount depends on travel class, with reduced rates for Maldivian citizens traveling in Economy Class. No nationality-based exemptions exist for Business or First Class or private jet travel.

Previously, the Departure Tax ranged from $30 to $120 depending on class. Starting December 1, 2024, it will increase as follows, per the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA):

New Departure Tax for International Passengers:

• Economy Class: $50 (up from $30, +67%)

• Business Class: $120 (up from $60, +100%)

• First Class: $240 (up from $90, +167%)

• Private Jets: $480 (up from $120, +300%)

Departure Tax for Maldivian Citizens:

• Economy Class: $12 (unchanged)

• Business Class: $120 (up from $60, +100%)

• First Class: $240 (up from $90, +167%)

• Private Jets: $480 (up from $120, +300%)

Diplomatic immunity holders and children under two years are exempt, along with transit passengers.

Airport Development Fee Increase

The Airport Development Fee, also implemented in early 2022, follows a similar class-based pricing structure. Currently ranging from $30 to $120, this fee will also increase to $50 to $480 per passenger starting December 1, 2024.

New Airport Development Fee for International Passengers:

• Economy Class: $50 (up from $30, +67%)

• Business Class: $120 (up from $60, +100%)

• First Class: $240 (up from $90, +167%)

• Private Jets: $480 (up from $120, +300%)

Airport Development Fee for Maldivian Citizens:

• Economy Class: $12 (unchanged)

• Business Class: $120 (up from $60, +100%)

• First Class: $240 (up from $90, +167%)

• Private Jets: $480 (up from $120, +300%)

Conclusion

As of December 2024, Economy passengers departing the Maldives will face fees totaling $100, Business Class travelers $240, and First Class travelers up to $480. These increases place the Maldives among the most expensive destinations globally for departure-related charges, rivaling the United Kingdom.