Parliament has approved a new law to increase taxes and fees on passengers departing from airports in the Maldives, effective December 1.

The bill maintains the current departure tax and airport development fee of $12 for Maldivians traveling in economy class. However, the fee for foreign travelers will increase from USD 30 to USD50. The new rates for business class travelers will be $60 for Maldivians and $120 for foreigners, while first-class travelers will pay USD 90 and USD 40, respectively. Additionally, a fee of USD 480 will be introduced for private jets.

The Parliament passed the bill with 71 out of 80 members voting in favour, while eight members voted against it.

Opposition MP Ameen Faisal from Kanditheem proposed an amendment to exempt taxes for airports other than Velana International Airport, a suggestion that garnered support from South Hithadhoo MP Ibrahim Nazil. Faisal expressed concerns that increasing taxes at airports outside of Velana would cause inconvenience to the public.