Short-haul passengers risk increased APD rates under the Labour Party government.
07:32, 04 May 2026Updated 07:46, 04 May 2026
Short-haul passengers risk increased APD rates under the Labour Party government.
Spain, Portugal and Greece holidaymakers from the UK face increased air passenger duty charges after an April rule change. Short-haul passengers risk increased APD rates under the Labour Party government.
The levy has increased by a maximum of 15 per cent per person in April, with further plans to raise APD in April 2027. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicts the latest increase to generate a staggering £5.2 billion for the exchequer by 2027.
That is compared to £4.6 billion this year, according to experts. By the end of March 2028, OBR forecasts expect the newly-increased tax to generate £5.6 billion.
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Band A covers 0 to 2,000 miles, essentially all of Europe and the majority of North Africa. It includes holidyay hotspots like Spain, Portugal and Greece.
For economy passengers travelling to Band A destinations, they will be required to pay £15 instead of the current £13 rate, while those flying business, first, and premium economy will see rates jump from £28 to £32.
Old APD rates (until April 2026)
Reduced rate (economy)
Domestic: £7
Band A: £13
Band B: £90
Band C: £94
Standard (first, business and premium econ)
Domestic: £14
Band A: £28
Band B: £216
Band C: £224
New APD rates (from 1 April 2026)
Reduced rate (economy)
Domestic: £8
Band A: £15
Band B: £102
Band C: £105
Standard (first, business and premium econ)
Domestic: £16
Band A: £32
Band B: £244
Band C: £253
Dale Robinson of travel insurance specialists, Just Travel Cover explained: “Essentially, this increase means that from April 1st, air travel is about to get more expensive for most people flying to and from the UK.’
“As an example, four adults travelling by air from the UK to New York this Easter, in premium economy, will pay £1950 between them in Air Passenger Duty. If they were flying in March of this year, the charge would have been £1730.
“The same passengers travelling on the same service in April 2027, will pay £2015 in APD, demonstrating the planned rise in the levy in the years to come.”