Flying privately out of the UK became more expensive on 1 April 2026. Alongside the normal annual increase, the UK government raised the higher rate of Air Passenger Duty (APD), which applies to private jets, by an additional 50%. The government’s stated aim is to bring APD on private jets more in line with the share of the fare paid by airline passengers.
The 2026–27 rates per passenger
| Distance band | Standard rate | Higher rate (private jets) |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | £16 | £142 |
| Band A (up to 2,000 miles) | £32 | £142 |
| Band B (2,001–5,500 miles) | £244 | £1,097 |
| Band C (over 5,500 miles) | £253 | £1,141 |
London to Malta falls in Band A, so a passenger departing the UK on a private jet pays £142 in APD. A flight to Dubai falls in Band B at £1,097 per passenger.
Does it apply to every private flight?
APD is charged on departures from UK airports, not arrivals, so a Malta–London flight attracts no UK APD on the inbound leg. The higher rate applies to business aircraft that meet the government’s size and seating criteria, so the exact charge depends on the aircraft chosen. We always include the correct tax in our quotes, so there are no surprises.
How to keep costs under control
- Compare aircraft types: the right-sized jet can cut both hourly cost and taxes
- Ask about empty-leg and one-way options
- Combine trips into one itinerary where possible
See our guide to private jet charter between Malta and London.
Request a charter quote or message us on WhatsApp and we will come back to you quickly with options.
Sources: HM Revenue & Customs / GOV.UK, Air Passenger Duty rates from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.
