British holidaymakers rush to beat new April 1 departure taxes for trips to Türkiye, Spain, Greece

Passengers flying from the United Kingdom to destinations including Türkiye, Spain, and Greece face higher travel costs from April 1 as the government raises Air Passenger Duty (APD), a levy added to airline tickets.

The increase, announced under the UK budget, will apply across all routes and travel classes, with airlines warning that it is likely to push up overall ticket prices. British travellers are being urged to book flights before Wednesday to avoid the higher rates.

A British Airways Airbus A380 is parked on the tarmac at Heathrow Airport as another British Airways aircraft takes off in the background in London, UK, on Jan. 3, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)

What UK flight tax rise means

Air Passenger Duty is a tax charged on passengers departing from UK airports. The amount depends on distance, ticket class, and aircraft configuration.

From April 1, 2026, new rates will apply:

• Band A (Europe and nearby destinations including Türkiye): £15 (around $20) for economy, £32 for premium classes
• Band B (2,000 to 5,500 miles): £102 or £244
• Band C (over 5,500 miles): £106 or £253
• Domestic UK flights: £8 or £16

Before the increase, Band A passengers paid £13 in economy and £28 in premium cabins.

Travel expert Simon Calder described APD as “unique to the UK and a topic of much controversy,” adding that the government has imposed “an above-inflation increase from April 1, 2026.”

Although the rise appears modest for short-haul flights, the cost grows significantly for long-haul and premium travel. By 2027, Calder said, a family of four flying premium economy to Orlando could pay more than £1,000 in departure tax alone.

Airlines have also warned that APD increases may affect ticket pricing. Ryanair has argued that the tax raises fares and reduces the competitiveness of UK aviation compared to countries with lower or no flight taxes.

Foreign residents and visitors wearing eye-catching costumes swim and walk in the sea during New Year celebrations in Antalya’s Kas district, Türkiye, Jan. 2, 2026. (AA Photo)

Will Britons still choose Türkiye?

The timing of the increase comes as Türkiye continues to attract strong demand from British travellers.

Based on data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, travel from the UK to Türkiye rose by 15% in 2024, reaching 10.8 million passengers.

Istanbul accounted for 34% of trips, while Antalya followed with 31%, and Mugla region destinations such as Bodrum and Fethiye also remained popular.

Several factors have supported this demand:

• Competitive pricing compared to other European destinations
• Favourable pound to Turkish lira exchange rate
• Wide range of tourism options, from cultural trips in Istanbul to coastal holidays

At the same time, Türkiye faces strong competition from destinations such as Spain, which remains the most visited country for British tourists.

Industry observers note that even small increases in flight costs can influence travel decisions, particularly for families and budget-conscious travellers. For a family of four, APD can add tens or hundreds of pounds depending on destination and class, which may affect booking patterns during peak holiday periods.

Passengers travelling in basic economy on short-haul routes will see smaller increases, but those flying in premium cabins or on longer routes will face more noticeable price rises. Children under 16 are exempt from APD in economy, though charges apply in premium classes.

March 30, 2026 12:24 PM GMT+03:00