President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified amendments to the Airport Development Fee and Departure Tax Act to increase the Airport Development Fee and Departure Tax charged on travelers.
The government-sponsored amendment, which was submitted by Gemanafushi MP Asadullah Shihab, was passed by the Parliament on October 31, with 71 members voting in favour and eight opposing.
As per the amendment, the increase in fees is not applicable to locals traveling in economy class. Therefore, even with this amendment, economy class passengers will be charged the same $12 as before. However, the fee for foreign travelers in economy class will rise from $30 to $50.
For business-class passengers, the fee will double from $60 to $120, and first-class passengers will see an increase from $90 to $240. Private jet passengers, who currently pay $120, will be charged $480 under the new rates.
According to the amendment, the departure tax and airport development fee will be charged at the same rates. The adjustments will take effect on December 1.
