The UK’s Autumn Budget, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 26 November 2025, confirmed significant increases in Air Passenger Duty (APD).
Industry groups have reacted with concern, warning that the changes will drive up ticket prices and damage Britain’s aviation sector.
What is Changing?
From April 2026, most APD rates will rise in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI), with extra adjustments to reflect recent high inflation.
Short-haul economy passengers (Band A, under 2,000 miles) will pay around £2 more per flight, while long-haul economy fares could increase by up to £12.
Domestic flights will also see an extra £1–£2. The biggest headline is the 50% hike for private jets. From April 2026, the higher-rate long-haul charge jumps from £673 to £1,141 per passenger.
A year later, smaller private aircraft will lose their exemption, bringing thousands more jets into the higher tax bracket.
The Treasury expects the changes to raise £4.2 billion in 2025–26 alone.
Airports and Airlines Raise Concerns
The UK already has some of the highest passenger taxes in the world. A family of four flying economy to the United States could face over £400 in APD round-trip. This is far more than in Germany (€70 maximum) or many other European countries.
Airlines UK, which represents British Airways, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic and others, called the increases “a hammer blow”. Chief executive Tim Alderslade said: “This tax grab will be passed straight on to passengers, making holidays more expensive and clipping the wings of one of Britain’s success stories.”
Budget carrier Ryanair warned it may cut flights or slow growth at UK airports. The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) added that higher costs will discourage new pilots at a time when the industry already faces shortages.
Regional airports are especially worried. Higher fares could reduce demand for routes to Europe, hitting tourism and local jobs.
Will ticket prices really go up? In short – yes. The government’s own Budget document admits that “airlines are likely to pass the cost of APD increases on to passengers”.
Industry research shows APD already accounts for 16–18% of a typical short-haul ticket price. For a family booking a summer 2026 holiday to Spain, the extra tax could easily add £40–£80 to the total bill.
Addressing Luxury Aircraft Emissions
The Chancellor defended the private-jet increase as “fairer taxation” and a way to target luxury emissions. However, campaign groups and airlines argue that APD is a blunt tool.
It is based on distance and seat class rather than actual carbon emissions, so an efficient modern aircraft pays the same as an older, dirtier one.
Many experts say a proper frequent-flyer levy or emissions-based charge would be fairer and more effective.
Conclusion
Concerned travellers should book flights that depart before 1 April 2026 to avoid the new rates. Children under 16 remain exempt on most tickets, and direct flights from Northern Ireland still enjoy special lower rates.
The 2025 Autumn Budget makes flying from the UK more expensive for millions of passengers. While the government gains billions in revenue and targets private jets, ordinary families and the aviation industry are left counting the cost.
As one airport head put it: “Higher taxes won’t make the skies greener – they’ll just make holidays dearer.”
Credits: UK Budget
