Simon Calder gives verdict on new air passenger duty and reveals how to avoid it
The chancellor has announced another increase in air passenger duty (APD). This is the tax that passengers aged 16 and over must pay when flying from most UK airports.
For the tax year 2025-26, APD will rise by predicted inflation for those in the cheapest seats – but by more than that in anything other than basic economy.
Air passenger duty is seen as a perfect tax by politicians. It is difficult to avoid and easy to collect, because airlines do all the work and send the Treasury a cheque.
APD is unique to the UK, and a topic of much controversy:
- Is it a “green” tax or simply a revenue-raising device?
- Does it encourage less damaging behaviour by
