+ COMMENT: An update by the Editor-in-Chief on APD and private air travel

It’s going to cost you more to fly

Forget about inflation and air fare hikes, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has her own way of making holiday and business travel more expensive.  

Looking ahead, the ‘next generation’ turboprops will fall into that band, delivering a heavy blow for the resurgence of smaller aircraft for regional airline routes.

Might there be exemptions for ‘commercial airline operations’ looking to start-up again with aircraft like the energy-efficient Deutsche Aircraft Eco328 and the Heart Aerospace hybrid/electric 30-seater?  We shall have to see.

Reeves in her first Budget speech said that current Air Passenger Duty (APD) rates have not kept pace with inflation and the changes ensure that departure tax reflects the environmental impact of air travel and contributes to broader revenue generation.

Highlighted in the autumn budget is that the air charter rate – for plus 20 tonnes maximum take-off weight (MTOW) – private jets will increase by 50% from 2026.  Yet, just ahead of the budget, the government also revealed a consultation paper proposing the 20-tonne benchmark be reduced to cover aircraft of 5.7 tonnes MTOW – affecting King Air sized aircraft upwards.  

From 1 April 2025 the charges are:

If any class of travel provides a seat pitch in excess of 40 inches the standard rate is the minimum rate that applies. The higher rate applies to flights aboard aircraft of 20 tonnes and above with fewer than 19 seats, that in effect means larger private jets.

From 1 April 2026, the proposed APD will include the smaller executive turboprops

Every air traveller will be affected.  What with the general rise in taxation will the growth in air travel continue?  Only time will tell?  Will prospective travellers to the UK be put off by the cost?

A charter trip in Europe will cost £142 per passenger APD, but for trips over 2,000 miles (outside of Europe) costs go up to over £1,000 per person.

From 2027-28 onwards, all APD rates will be adjusted annually in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI) and rounded to the nearest penny.

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READERS' COMMENT

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 200 words maximum

Martin Clough, Exeter

The new concise format is just what your readers need. Thank you.

Marc Baily, CEO

The British Business General Aviation Association has requested an urgent meeting with Aviation Minister Mike Kane, to seek acknowledgement that business and general aviation is a recognised growth enabler for UK GDP.

Barry Graham, United States

Even worse than the APD is the higher rate for premium cabin travelers who are using the same resources as everyone else and shouldn't have to pay extra.