Major aviation associations have expressed criticism of the increased rate of duty on private jets announced in yesterday’s Autumn Budget.
Groups including The Air Charter Association, the British Business and General Aviation Association and the Regional and Business Airports Group released a joint statement in which they shared concerns about the impact of the rise in UK Air Passenger Duty (APD) on Business Jet aircraft, commonly known as private jets.
They claimed that the policy will “damage business investment into the UK and stall sustainable aviation growth”, while remaining unlikely to increase the overall tax revenue from the Business Aviation sector.
The change comes as a result of the closure of a loophole that previously reduced levies on non-commercial flights.
APD will now apply to aircraft of 5.7 tonnes and above, representing a significant decrease from the current ruling of 20 tonnes and doubling the amount of journeys likely to be affected by the higher rate.
A fourfold increase in tax
Private jet passengers flying to the UK may face a fourfold increase in tax under the new rules, which will come in to effect from April 2027.
The three associations have advocated for tax incentives in the private jet sector, releasing a report in January 2025 in response to a consultation launched by the government on the potential impact of the higher rate.
In its own report, the government acknowledged warnings from stakeholders in the aviation industry that various taxes and charges act as a potential deterrent to inward investment.
However, it concluded that the change in APD rates would ensure that private jets “make a fairer contribution to the public finances, relative to commercial operators”.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves first increased APD on private jets by 50% in last year’s budget.
What does the increase mean for private jet owners?
Private jet owners on long-haul flights could pay £1,178.20 per flight in charges from 2027, in comparison to £253 under the current rules.
Existing exemptions will remain in place. For example, humanitarian and authorised emergency medical service flights are not subject to APD.
The government intends to publish draft legislation ahead of the Finance Bill 2026, which will allow stakeholders to share their views on the new rules.