Why Are Plane Tickets From the UK So Expensive? Here’s Why You’re Paying More to Fly
- Helena
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
If you’ve ever booked a flight from a UK airport and felt like your wallet took a direct hit before you even reached the runway and left you thinking “Why are plane tickets from the UK so expensive” you’re definitely right to be thinking that way. The UK has the highest air passenger duty (APD) in the world, a major contributing factor to plane ticket costs and good news (!), and it’s about to go even higher in 2026.
Whether you’re flying short or long-haul, economy or business class, or even living the high life with a private jet, this stealthy tax can seriously inflate your travel bill.
So what exactly is APD, how much will it cost you in 2025 and 2026, and why is Britain so obsessed with taxing take-offs? Please ensure your seatbelt is fastened as here’s everything you need to know… and keep it fastened as there might be some unexpected turbulence!
What Is Air Passenger Duty (APD)?
Air Passenger Duty is a tax slapped on nearly every plane ticket for flights departing from UK airports. It’s been around since 1994 and varies depending on two main things:
How far you’re flying
What class of cabin you’re sitting in
Spoiler alert: the further and fancier you fly, the more you’ll pay.
2025 Air Passenger Duty Rates: What You’ll Pay
Starting in April 2025, here’s how much extra you’ll pay in APD when flying out of the UK:
Flight Type | Economy | Premium/Business | Private Jets |
Domestic (within the UK) | £7 | £14 | £84 |
Short-Haul (under 2,000 mi) | £13 | £28 | £84 |
Long-Haul (2,001–5,500 mi) | £90 | £216 | £647 |
Ultra-Long (5,500+ miles) | £94 | £224 | £673 |
This means that if you're flying from London to New York in business class, you’re paying £216 just in APD, and that’s before you’ve even factored in your ticket price or points redemption.
2026 Air Passenger Duty: Even Higher!
From April 2026, the UK government is cranking it up a notch. Here’s what’s coming:
Flight Type | Economy | Premium/Business | Private Jets |
Domestic (within the UK) | £8 | £16 | £142 |
Short-Haul (under 2,000 mi) | £15 | £32 | £142 |
Long-Haul (2,001 - 5,500 mi) | £102 | £244 | £1,097 |
Ultra-Long (5,500+ miles) | £106 | £253 | £1,141 |
Why are plane tickets from the UK so expensive?
There are a few reasons why the UK wears the crown for the world’s highest air passenger tax:
1. Revenue Generator Extraordinaire
APD is a major source of government income, bringing in billions each year. It's a quick and efficient way for the government to collect funds, especially since it’s levied on most outbound travellers.
2. The Fuel Tax Loophole
Airlines don’t pay tax on jet fuel due to international aviation treaties. So instead of taxing fuel, the UK government taxes you, the passenger. Fun, right? This is probably a whole topic in itself, and if you are interested on the ins and outs of this one, comment below and we’ll write it up!
3. An (Allegedly) Green Tax
Although it’s often dressed up as an environmental measure to discourage excessive flying, APD doesn’t actually fund any green initiatives. It’s not linked to carbon offsetting or sustainability programs, it’s just a tax, plain and simple.
4. Few Exemptions
Some countries waive similar air travel taxes for connecting passengers, business travellers, or children. In contrast, the UK applies stricter rules. Exemptions are limited to:
Children under 16 travelling in economy class
Children under two years old, classed as “babes in arms,” in any cabin
You are also exempt if your flight departs from the Scottish Highlands and Islands region, which includes:
Highland Region, Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland, Argyll and Bute, Arran, Great Cumbrae, and Little Cumbrae
In Moray District: the parishes of Aberlour, Cabrach, Dallas, Dyke, Edinkillie, Forres, Inveravon, Kinloss, Kirkmichael, Knockando, Mortlach, Rafford, and Rothes
Note: Flights arriving into this region from other parts of the UK do not qualify for the exemption.
You’re also exempt if taking a direct long-haul flight from Northern Ireland, meaning:
The journey begins at a Northern Ireland airport
The first leg is a direct flight to a destination outside the UK and outside band A
There are no connecting flights before reaching that destination
How Does the UK Compare to Other Countries?
When it comes to air passenger taxes, the UK isn’t just ahead, it’s in a league of its own. Many countries either have no departure tax at all, or charge significantly less, even for similar distances and classes of travel.
Let’s break down how the UK’s APD stacks up in 2025 against a few different countries?
Country | Tax Amount (In GBP) | Key Notes |
Australia | £37 | Passenger Movement Charge; included in airfare. |
Austria | £10 | Flat rate; added to airfare. |
Canada | £0 - £24 | Varies by airport; included in ticket. |
China | £10 | Included in airfare. |
Costa Rica | £18 | Often included; cash or card at airport. |
Egypt | £21 | Charged to all air travellers. |
Fiji | £64 | Increased to FJ$200 from 1 August 2025; included in airfare. |
Germany | £13 - £61 | Tiered by destination. |
Hong Kong | £12 | Included; sometimes refundable. |
Jamaica | £28 | All air passengers. |
Japan | £6 | All passengers leaving by air or ferry. |
Netherlands | £25 | Flat 2025 rate. |
Saudi Arabia | £18 | Included in airfare. |
Sweden | £5 - £31 | Tiered by destination range. |
Thailand | £15 | Included in airfare. |
These are estimates based on current exchange rates and may vary slightly by departure airport or final destination.
Why It Matters
If you're flying from London to New York in economy, you’ll pay £90 in APD in 2025, rising to £102 in 2026.
In contrast, flying the same route from Paris might cost you less than £20 in tax - saving enough for a decent meal at the airport (or a few rounds of overpriced duty-free snacks).
So, if you're wondering why your UK flight seems disproportionately expensive, it’s not just airline pricing - it’s the UK's sky-high passenger tax driving up the cost.
What Does it Mean for Points Redemption Flights?
Well, rather unfortunately it means that whilst you get to utilise your airline points for the air fare, any taxes or fees relating to the plane ticket have to be paid in cash. This is part of the reason why we rarely get to see those amazing “I paid 15,000 points and £3 to fly to Malaga” stories here in the UK, because the duties to be paid are so high.
I popped a breakdown in the fees into my recent Virgin Atlantic Upper Class review, because here at Points Well Made we are always honest in the amount of points and money we pay for our flights. Below is an example of the different fees you will pay.
Final Thoughts
There’s no sugar-coating it: the UK’s Air Passenger Duty is the highest in the world, and it’s not getting cheaper any time soon. Whether you’re a casual holidaymaker or a regular jet-setter, this hidden cost can take a serious bite out of your travel budget.
If you’re looking to save money and have the time to be able to do this, consider flying from nearby European hubs, flying economy, or booking domestic travel before the 2026 price hike. But as long as you’re flying from a UK airport, one thing’s for sure - you’ll be paying a premium just to take off.
Helena
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