The next big change to private jet tax in the UK is already written into the rules, and it lands on 1 April 2027. From that date, almost every business jet departing a UK airport will pay the higher rate of Air Passenger Duty (APD). Until now, that rate has only applied to the largest jets. With the Autumn Budget due on Wednesday 28 October, here is what is already confirmed, what it will cost, and how to plan around it.
What changes on 1 April 2027
Today, the higher rate of APD applies only to aircraft of 20 tonnes and above with fewer than 19 seats. That covers heavy and ultra long range jets such as the Gulfstream G650 or Global 6000. Passengers on lighter jets pay the much lower standard rate.
That distinction disappears next April. The government confirmed in the November 2025 Budget that the higher rate will extend to private jets above 5.7 tonnes, and HMRC published the draft legislation in July 2026. Under the draft, the higher rate applies to any passenger on a non-scheduled flight, or one where the timing or route was arranged for the passenger. In practice, that means private charter.
Two more details matter:
- Children pay too. The draft rules make clear the child exemption will not apply, so children on a business jet pay the same duty as adults.
- It is charged on departure. APD applies to passengers leaving UK airports, so your return leg from Nice or Geneva does not attract it.
The new rates
Per passenger, for flights from 1 April 2027:
- Domestic and Band A (up to 2,000 miles): £146.63, up from £16 for most light and midsize jets today
- Band B (2,001 to 5,500 miles): £1,132.76, up from £244
- Band C (over 5,500 miles): £1,178.20, up from £253
For the largest jets, which already pay the higher rate, the rise is modest. For everything smaller, it is a step change.
What it means in pounds
- London to Nice, six passengers on a Phenom 300: duty rises from £192 to £879.78 one way.
- London to Dubai, eight passengers on a Challenger 350: duty rises from £1,952 to £9,062.08 one way.
- London to New York, eight passengers on a Gulfstream G450: already on the higher rate, so duty rises only slightly, from £8,776 to £9,062.08.
The biggest increases fall on the light, midsize and super midsize jets that make up most European charter, and on mid-range trips such as the Middle East.
Which aircraft are not affected
APD does not apply to aircraft under 5.7 tonnes maximum take-off weight. That includes the Pilatus PC-12, a popular single-engine turboprop for short European trips such as Paris, Jersey and the north of France. For the right trip, it is now worth considering on cost as well as convenience. Twin turboprops such as the King Air 350 are heavier than 5.7 tonnes, so they are caught by the change.
Scotland is going its own way
From April 2027, Scotland replaces APD with its own Air Departure Tax. The Scottish Government has said it intends to add a further supplement for private jet passengers from April 2028, with rates due to be published next spring. Edinburgh Airport has publicly criticised the plan, so expect more debate before the rates are set.
How to plan around it
- Fly before 1 April where you can. The duty depends on when you depart, not when you book. Easter 2027 falls on 28 March, so Easter getaways leaving the UK before 1 April will pay today's rates.
- Look at the whole trip, not the hourly rate. On short hops with a full cabin, the duty can now be a meaningful share of the price. The right aircraft for the passenger count matters more than ever.
- Ask about turboprops for short trips. For four or five passengers going to Paris or the Channel Islands, a PC-12 avoids the duty entirely.
- Expect it in every quote. The operator pays APD to HMRC and passes it through in the charter price. Every Finer Aviation quote shows the full, all-in cost.
Will the Budget change anything?
The April 2027 change and its rates have already been set out in draft legislation, so tomorrow's Budget is not expected to reverse them. Any further changes to aviation tax will be announced on the day, and we will update this article if they affect private flyers.
Planning a trip for next spring? Browse routes and starting prices or read what changed in April 2026. When you request a quote, we will show you how the duty changes across different aircraft.
