UK Air Passenger Duty: New Flight Tax Hikes Kick In This Week

If you are planning a getaway this year, you might notice your plane tickets costing a little more than usual. As of 1 April 2026, the UK government has officially implemented another round of increases to Air Passenger Duty (APD), affecting almost every adult passenger departing from a UK airport.

While these changes were first announced in late 2024, the reality is now hitting the wallets of holidaymakers and business travellers alike. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay under the new rates.

What is APD?

Air Passenger Duty is an excise duty charged to passengers flying from the UK. It is typically included in the final price of your airline ticket. The amount you pay depends on two main factors: how far you are flying and which “class” of cabin you are sitting in.

The New 2026 Rates

The latest hike sees a 13% increase across several bands, with short-haul economy flights seeing the smallest rise, while premium long-haul travel faces much steeper costs.

Destination Band	Distance	Economy (Reduced)	Premium (Standard)
Domestic	Within UK	£8	£16
Band A	0 – 2,000 miles (Europe)	£15	£32
Band B	2,001 – 5,500 miles (e.g., USA)	£102	£244
Band C	Over 5,500 miles (e.g., Australia)	£106	£253

For a family of four flying economy to Europe, the tax alone now totals £60. However, for those choosing premium economy or business class for a long-haul trip to a destination like Orlando or Dubai, the tax bill can now exceed £400 per person.

Private Jets Face the “Higher Rate”

The biggest percentage jump has been reserved for private aviation. The “Higher Rate”—which applies to aircraft over 20 tonnes with fewer than 19 passengers—has increased by nearly 50%. A passenger on an ultra-long-haul private charter now faces an APD bill of £1,141 per trip.

Are There Any Exemptions?

The good news is that certain passengers remain exempt from the tax:

Children under 16: If they are travelling in the lowest class of travel (Basic Economy), they do not have to pay APD.
Infants under 2: Babies without their own seat are also exempt.
Highlands and Islands: Flights departing from the Scottish Highlands and Islands remain exempt from the duty.

Why Are Rates Increasing?

The Treasury has defended the move, stating that APD has not kept pace with inflation in recent years and that the revenue is vital for funding public services. However, industry bodies like the Business Travel Association (BTA) have criticised the move, calling it a “hidden squeeze” on connectivity that makes the UK one of the most expensive places in the world to fly from.

With another inflation-linked rise already confirmed for April 2027, it appears the cost of flying from the UK is only set to head in one direction.

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