Qatar’s international airport said today it is to charge passengers an exit tax as the energy-reliant emirate adjusts to falling oil prices.

The 35-riyal (RM40) levy is to be introduced this week, Hamad International Airport (HIA) said in a statement.

The fee, to be added to airline ticket prices, will apply to tickets issued on or after August 30, as well as for travel starting on or after December 1.

“The charge is in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation principles to support the development of world leading airports such as HIA,” it said.

Almost nine million passengers passed through Doha airport in the first quarter of this year.