Aviation sector criticises further rises in APD from 2027

The aviation sector has criticised government plans to increase the rate of Air Passenger Duty (APD) again in 2027, following the rise which is already due in April 2026.

Details of the increases were confirmed as part of the Budget announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday afternoon (November 26).

EasyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis said on Tuesday he was hoping for a freeze on the tax, but "wasn’t optimistic" it would happen.

The industry already knew APD will rise from £13 to £15 on short-haul economy fares from next April, with larger increases on long-haul and premium rates.

Now, the rate will increase at the rate of inflation from April 2027, along with the expansion of the higher rate to cover all private jets over 5.7 tonnes.

The government confirmed it will “uprate all rates of Air Passenger Duty in line with RPI [retail price inflation] from 1 April 2027”.

The economy rate of APD on short-haul international flights will increase from £15 to £15.49 from 2027.

The premium short-haul rate will rise by £4 to £32 in 2026 and to £33.04 in 2027. Long-haul rates will rise to £102 and £106 in economy depending on the distance next year, with those figures rising to £105.33 and £109.46 in 2027.

Long-haul rates for premium economy will rise from £244 for flights up to 5,500 miles and £253 for those over to £251.95 and £261.25 respectively.

Those paying the higher rate of APD will be charged £142 for short-haul and £1,097 and £1,141 for the two long-haul bands from next April, with those fees rising in 2027 to £146.63, £1,132.76 and £1,178.20.