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UK Confirms Higher Air Passenger Duty From April 1, 2026

Airlines typically add the duty to ticket prices.

Overview

  • HMRC published the 2026–27 APD schedule for all departures from UK airports, with banded charges by distance and travel class.
  • Band A, covering trips up to 2,000 miles including most European destinations, carries a standard rate of £32 and a higher rate of £142.
  • Domestic flights will be charged £8 at the reduced rate, £16 at the standard rate, and £142 at the higher rate, with Bands B and C rising to £244/£1,097 and £253/£1,141 respectively at standard/higher rates.
  • The OBR forecasts APD receipts will reach about £5.2 billion by 2027, up from roughly £4.6 billion this year.
  • IATA’s Willie Walsh criticised the increase as a short‑sighted cash‑grab, while travel specialists highlighted examples such as four adults to New York in premium economy seeing their APD rise from £1,730 to £1,950.