The state has collected more than USD 142.8 million in airport taxes and fees as of August, a 46 percent increase over the same period last year.
The surge in revenue, detailed in the Ministry of Finance and Planning’s latest Weekly Fiscal Development Report, is attributed to a combination of increased tourist arrivals and higher tax rates.
According to the report, the government received a total of USD 142.8 million from Airport Development Fee (ADF) and Departure Tax as of 28 August this year. This marks a substantial increase from the USD 97.3 million collected during the same period the year prior.
The revenue growth was driven by a rise in both individual tax categories as the government collected USD 71.3 million in Departure Tax between 1 January and 28 August. This represents a 52.5 percent increase compared to the USD 48.4 million collected during the same period in the prior year.
Similarly, the ADF brought in USD 71.3 million, a 51.5 percent increase over the USD 49.4 million received as of 28 August of the previous year. The ADF is levied on all passengers departing from Velana International Airport (VIA), having been implemented on 1 May 2017.
The updated tax figures reflect new rates that went into effect on 1 December last year. The specific charges vary depending on the passenger's class of travel and citizenship status.
Current Departure Tax Rates:
Economy Class: USD 12 (locals), USD 50 (foreigners)
Business Class: USD 60 (locals and foreigners)
First Class: USD 90 (locals and foreigners)
Private Jet: USD 120 (locals and foreigners)
Current Airport Development Fee (ADF) Rates:
Economy Class: USD 12 (locals), USD 50 (foreigners)
Business Class: USD 120 (locals and foreigners)
First Class: USD 240 (locals and foreigners)
Private Jet: USD 480 (locals and foreigners)
Certain individuals are exempt from these charges. Those with diplomatic immunity, transit passengers, and children under the age of two are exempt from the Departure Tax. Exemptions for the ADF include individuals with diplomatic immunity and direct transit passengers.
The Ministry's report shows that the surge in airport-related revenue is consistent with broader positive trends in the country's tourism sector. Increased tourist arrivals have directly contributed to the higher collections from airport taxes and fees.
This financial data underscores the vital role of the aviation sector in supporting state revenue, driven by a post-pandemic rebound in travel and strategic adjustments to tax policies.