In a recent development, the Maldives Civil Court has ordered the now-defunct budget carrier GoAir to pay a substantial sum of USD 3.6 million to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).
The court’s decision comes as a result of GoAir’s failure to comply with the Air Taxes and Fees Act, which mandates the collection of Departure Tax, Airport Service Charge, and Airport Development Fee from passengers.
The airline ceased its operations in May 2023, but it is still liable for the dues accumulated during its operational period from April 2022 to March 2023. The court issued the order in absentia of GoAir, as the airline did not attend trial proceedings despite multiple summoning orders.
This ruling highlights the importance of adhering to tax regulations and the consequences of non-compliance. It also serves as a reminder to other airlines operating in the Maldives to fulfill their financial obligations to avoid similar legal actions.