Business Aviation Groups Protest UK Air Passenger Duty Change

Aviation Groups Protest UK Air Passenger Duty Change

Higher per-passenger duties will apply to smaller aircraft from April 2027

The UK business aviation community gathers each year for the annual Air Charter Expo, held at London Biggin Hill Airport in September and organized by The Air Charter Association.

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

November 27, 2025

Aviation groups have protested the UK government’s decision to apply a previously-proposed higher rate of air passenger duty (APD) to aircraft weighing 5.7 metric tons (about 12,570 pounds) or more from April 2027. The tax ruling announced in an annual budget statement on Wednesday is a change in policy since, during a consultation process concluded in January, the government had indicated that the higher rate would apply to aircraft weighing 20 metric tons or higher with fewer than 19 passenger seats.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the Air Charter Association, along with the British Business & General Aviation Association and the Regional & Business Airports Group, said they were disappointed with the widening of the scope for the new tax rate. From April 2027, the highest APD charge per passenger will range from £146.63 (about $190) for a domestic charter flight up to £1,178.20 for a trip longer than 5,500 miles. The new weight threshold will mean the higher rates apply to private jets such as Embraer’s Phenom 300.

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