Statistics revealed by Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has indicated that a revenue of 2.7 million U.S. dollars was collected as Airport Development Charge.
Airport Development Charge is the tax imposed on passengers departing from Maldives from Velana International Airport and was introduced on 1st May 2017. Under an act passed by the parliament and endorsed by the government, USD 12 are charged for locals and USD 25 are charged for foreigners departing from Velana International Airport. The government aims to collect over USD 37 million as Airport Development Charge by the end of the year.
The government imposed the tax with the aim of raising funds for the airport development project which would cost USD 800 million. The funds raised from the tax would be deposited to a sovereign fund where it will only be used to repay the loan taken for the development project of the airport.