From 1 April 2026, the higher rate of UK Air Passenger Duty (APD) increased substantially for larger private jets. The government applied the normal inflation-related uprating and then added a further 50% increase to the higher-rate amounts. As a result, the actual year-on-year rise is about 69% to 70%, depending on the destination band.
For 2026/27, the higher rate ranges from £142 to £1,141 for each chargeable passenger. It currently applies to aircraft with an authorised take-off weight of at least 20 tonnes that are equipped to carry fewer than 19 passengers. The aircraft operator is legally responsible for APD, although the cost is commonly reflected in the charter price. A clear private aircraft charter quotation should identify the applicable taxes and assumptions, with the official rates available on GOV.UK.
What changed on 1 April 2026?
APD has applied since November 1994 to qualifying passengers departing on chargeable fixed-wing aircraft. The 2026 increase was intended to reverse a real-terms decline in APD rates and make the tax paid on larger private jets a more comparable proportion of charter costs.
APD is primarily a revenue-raising passenger tax, not a direct charge based on an aircraft’s emissions. It therefore operates separately from industry measures supporting eco-efficient flight operations. A transparent booking process should make that distinction clear.
| Destination band | Distance basis | Higher rate in 2025/26 | Higher rate in 2026/27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | Journey within the UK | £84 | £142 |
| Band A | 0 to 2,000 miles | £84 | £142 |
| Band B | 2,001 to 5,500 miles | £647 | £1,097 |
| Band C | Over 5,500 miles | £673 | £1,141 |
International bands are determined by the distance from London to the capital city of the destination country, rather than the exact distance flown. These rates apply to most UK departures, but separate exemptions and rules cover direct long-haul departures from Northern Ireland and departures from specified Scottish Highlands and Islands airports.
Which private flights pay the higher rate?
Until 31 March 2027, private aircraft below 20 tonnes, or aircraft equipped for at least 19 passengers, do not automatically fall within the higher rate. APD can still apply where the aircraft weighs at least 5.7 tonnes, but the reduced or standard rate may be used depending on the seating and class-of-travel rules.
The government has confirmed plans to extend the higher rate from 1 April 2027 to aircraft weighing at least 5.7 tonnes when operated as private or business jets. The change is due to be legislated through the Finance Bill 2026–27. Published 2027/28 higher rates range from £146.63 to £1,178.20 per chargeable passenger.
What does this mean for a charter?
Ten chargeable passengers flying from London to New York on an aircraft currently subject to the higher rate generate £10,970 of APD. An inbound private jet charter from Boston or private jet charter from Houston does not attract UK APD simply because it lands in Britain. The duty applies to chargeable journeys beginning at a UK airport.
Shorter trips carry a lower cash amount, but the percentage increase is still significant. Some air taxi services in the UK use aircraft below the 5.7-tonne APD threshold, while others use chargeable aircraft.
Can you reduce the cost?
Aircraft selection can still affect the rate before April 2027, although safety, range, baggage and passenger requirements must come first. Reviewing the economics of chartering versus owning may also help frequent flyers understand their wider costs.
APD is fixed per chargeable passenger. A group charter may spread the aircraft cost across more travellers, but every additional chargeable passenger increases the APD total. An empty leg flight may reduce the charter fee, but it does not reduce the statutory APD rate.
Only qualifying exemptions should be relied upon. Humanitarian flights and authorised emergency medical service flights can be exempt, but not every medical journey automatically qualifies. Discuss the operating status when arranging medevac and air ambulance services.
Request an itemised charter quote
The effect of APD depends on the aircraft, departure airport, destination and number of chargeable passengers. Ask Aircraft Charter for an itemised quote that identifies the aircraft category, applicable APD band and any valid exemption before confirming your journey.