Anyone flying to Spain, Greece or Turkey should book flights before April 1
Travellers considering booking flights from the UK ought to secure their tickets before Wednesday to dodge an approaching price hike. Air passenger duty (APD) is set to rise on 1 April, pushing up the cost of air travel
The air passenger duty charged per passenger varies based on multiple factors, including cabin class and the distance between the destination country's capital and the UK. The levy increases substantially for those travelling in anything beyond basic economy and for flights to countries whose capitals lie more than 2,000 miles from London
Travel expert Simon Calder notes that the charge "is unique to the UK and a topic of much controversy". He continues: "Chancellor Rachel Reeves has imposed an above-inflation increase from April 1st 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 increase to:
UK domestic: £8 (economy) or £16 (anything but economy)
