Business travel chief condemns latest air tax hike

The Business Travel Association has attacked the latest rise in Air Passenger Duty (APD) as a “tax on connectivity”.

Chief executive Clive Wratten condemned the April 1 hike, claiming that the UK will have the highest air departure tax in the world.

APD will rise from £13 to £15 on short-haul economy fares, with larger increases on long-haul and premium rates.

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

Wratten said: "APD is rising from April 1 and is becoming a major barrier to global connectivity, and the UK already has the highest air departure tax in the world.

“Despite generating £4.195 billion in 2024-25, the tax continues to rise across both domestic and international routes, increasing by 13% and not aligned with inflation.

"These increases are a hidden squeeze on travellers that often goes undiscussed - especially when APD doesn’t even offset the ever-rising and highly controversial airport drop-off fees.

“For business travellers, including those in vital frontline roles, APD is an upfront hurdle before a single visa is processed or a hotel is booked.

“Call it what it is: a tax on the connectivity that keeps our economy moving."