Measure
Changes to Air Passenger Duty rates have been announced for 2026-27. All rates will be increased by 13%, rounded to the nearest pound, “to account in part for previous high inflation and to help maintain the value of APD rates in real terms”. The higher rates that apply to larger private jets will increase by a further 50%.
The government is also consulting on extending the scope of the APD higher rate to all private jets.
The travel and aviation industry, and its customers.
The APD rates for 2026/27 will be as follows.
|
Bands (distance in miles from London) |
Reduced rate (lowest class of travel) |
Standard rate (1) |
Higher rate (2) |
|
Domestic band |
£8 |
£16 |
£142 |
|
Band A (0 to 2,000 miles) |
£15 |
£32 |
£142 |
|
Band B (2,001 to 5,500 miles) |
£102 |
£244 |
£1,097 |
|
Band C (over 5,500 miles) |
£106 |
£253 |
£1,141 |
(1) If any class of travel provides a seat pitch in excess of 1.016 metres (40 inches) the standard rate is the minimum rate that applies.
(2) The higher rate applies to flights aboard aircraft of 20 tonnes and above with fewer than 19 seats.
These increases in line with RPI are as expected.
The consultation on extending the scope of the higher rate for private jets is an opportunity to for the government to review the application of APD and ensure it is in line with their objectives.