Passenger airplane taking off at sunset
Travellers planning to book flights from the UK are being urged to secure their tickets before Wednesday to avoid an impending price rise.
Air passenger duty (APD) is set to increase on April 1, making air travel more costly.
As the duty comprises part of each airline ticket’s price, carriers suggest the adjustment will likely push up fares on certain routes, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
The air passenger duty charge per person varies depending on multiple factors, including cabin class and the distance between the destination country’s capital and the UK.
The levy increases substantially for passengers travelling in anything above basic economy and flying to countries whose capitals are located more than 2,000 miles from London, reports the Mirror.
Travel expert Simon Calder notes the charge “is unique to the UK and a topic of much controversy”.
He adds: “Chancellor Rachel Reeves has imposed an above-inflation increase from April 1, 2026 and one in line with the retail prices index a year after that. By the summer of 2027, a family of four flying premium economy to Orlando will pay over £1,000 in tax for leaving the UK in anything better than basic economy.”
Four different categories of destination
UK domestic flights
Band A: Countries where capital city is 2,000 miles or less from London — this covers all of Europe
Band B: Capital city is 2,001-5,500 miles from London — includes most long-haul destinations
Band C: Capital city is over 5,500 miles from London — includes Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Buenos Aires and Australia
What are the rates?
From April 1 2026, they will all rise to the following:
UK domestic: £8 (economy) or £16 (anything but economy)
Band A: £15 or £32
Band B: £102 or £244
Band C: £106 or £253
Before April 1 2026 the rates are as follows:
UK domestic: £7 or £14
Band A: £13 or £28
Band B: £90 or £216
Band C: £94 or £224
While the rises aren’t enormous, they could substantially increase holiday costs for a family of four travelling to destinations beyond 2,000 miles.
APD is not charged for children under 16 in basic economy but applies to all children over two in premium cabins.
How much APD will I pay?
A family of four with children aged between two and 15 will pay the following APD from April 1 2026:
UK: £16 in basic economy, £64 in premium economy or better.
Europe: £30 or £128
Most long-haul destinations: £204 or £976
Ultra-long-haul destinations: £212 or £1,012
However, a family of four with children aged 16 and over will pay the following APD from April 1 2026:
UK: £32 in basic economy, £64 in premium economy or better
Europe: £60 or £128
Most long-haul destinations: £408 or £976
Ultra-long-haul destinations: £424 or £1,012
Clearly, the annual increases remain relatively modest for shorter journeys but accumulate considerably when travelling longer distances with older children.
However, if you’re keen to maximise savings, booking flights before Wednesday will help you avoid the APD increase.
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