Qatar, Aug 28: Now passengers flying out of Qatar will soon be required to pay an additional QR35 “departure charge,” airport operator Qatar Airways has told travel agents.

In a circular distributed last week, agencies were advised that Hamad International Airport will introduce a new Passenger Facility Charge for tickets issued on or after Aug. 30, and for any travel starting Dec. 1 onwards.

The fee will automatically be added to an individual’s plane ticket price and also applies to transit passengers who fly into and out of HIA within 24 hours.

Qatar Airways has not responded to repeated requests for comment on the subject.

Revenue raiser:

The new charge comes as the government curbs spending and seeks out new revenue streams amid falling oil prices.

It also follows Dubai’s decision to roll out a similar exit tax earlier this year.

In March, UAE officials announced that money collected from the new fee would improve Dubai’s airport infrastructure and capacity.

Several other countries also charge exit taxes, including Australia, Germany, China and the UK.