Private jet passengers hit with extra tax bill as rate increases by 50%

Private jet passengers in the UK will face a 50% tax increase, the government announced in the autumn Budget. The rise means that those who choose to travel this way will start paying high air passenger duty (APD) rates from 2026. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced on Wednesday 30 October that the government will introduce an adjustment to air passenger duty, meaning an increase of no more than £2 for an economy class short-haul flight. But the fees that fall upon those travelling in private jets will increase by 50%. The private jets that qualify for this higher rate weigh over 20 tonnes and can only carry fewer than 19 passengers. However, now the budget has been announced, the government is seeking consultation on how to extend the scope of the higher rate to more private jets. It also hopes that the reform of the higher rate aligns with their net-zero objectives, such as the private jet industry investing in low-carbon technologies. The most expensive rate for private jet flyers will increase from GBP607 to GBP673 in 2025, reaching GBP1,141 per passenger by April 2026. The government says evidence shows that the typical owners of these jets are usually businesses, or people with “considerable wealth”.<br/>