Following the UK’s increase in air passenger duty (APD) that comes into effect next month, Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced a further increase in his 2024 budget speech that will apply from April 1, 2025.
APD varies depending on the class the passenger is travelling in and the distance from London and is broken down into four categories:
· Domestic – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
· Band A – 0km to 3 219km
· Band B – 3 220km to 8 850km
· Band C – more than 8 850km
Passengers travelling in economy class pay what is referred to as a ‘reduced’ rate, while passengers in premium economy, business, and first-class pay a ‘standard’ rate on commercial flights. A ‘higher’ rate applies to private aircraft transporting fewer than 19 passengers.
The APD applies to all passengers aged 16 years and older on flights departing the UK. The 2025 increase will not apply to passengers in economy class.
Passengers flying to South Africa fall into Band C, and APD depends on the cabin class in which they are travelling.
Currently, travellers in Band C in economy class pay £91 (R2 175) and in the premium cabins it jumps to £200 (R4 780). From April 1, those rates increase by £1 (R24) and £2 (R48) respectively.
In 2025, Band C passengers flying in the premium cabins will pay an extra £22 (R526) while APD for economy-class passengers will not be increased.
Band C rates for economy, premium economy, business- and first-class passengers are as follows:
