UK Raises Air Passenger Duty on Africa Flights from April 2028
The British government has confirmed a further increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD) as part of its 2026 Budget, announced today, rejecting industry calls for a freeze. From April 2028, economy-class passengers departing the UK to West, East and Central African destinations will pay approximately $145 (£108.60), rising to $151 (£112.86) for longer routes such as South Africa. Premium and business-class passengers on those longer routes will face a charge of around $361 (£269.36), with private jet passengers subject to rates as high as $1,627 (£1,214.78) per person.
The increases follow a separate rise already scheduled for April 2027 and will be indexed to the UK Retail Prices Index going forward. The duty applies to passengers departing British airports, meaning African travellers pay it on the return leg of their journey rather than the outbound flight. The hike is of particular significance to African tourism operators and diaspora travellers, as routes between Britain and Africa already carry relatively high long-haul fares and limited direct competition. UK airports handled a record 302 million passenger journeys in 2025, and the Budget decision ensures the government will continue to draw increased revenue from that volume, including on Britain - Africa routes.
Source: Business Insider Africa
