The United Kingdom will increase its Air Passenger Duty (APD) on flights to sub-Saharan Africa from April 2028, raising the cost of air travel for Nigerian travellers, African diaspora communities and business passengers departing British airports.
The increase follows the British government’s rejection of calls from airlines and travel industry representatives to freeze the tax amid rising household and travel costs.
Under the new rates published by the UK Treasury in its 2026 Budget, economy-class passengers travelling to several sub-Saharan African destinations will pay approximately $145 (£108.60), while those flying to destinations including South Africa will face a charge of about $151 (£112.86).
Passengers travelling in premium economy and business class will face significantly higher charges, with the tax rising to approximately $348 (£259.77) for destinations between 2,001 and 5,500 miles from London and $361 (£269.36) for destinations beyond 5,500 miles.
How it Affects Nigerian Travellers
The Air Passenger Duty applies to passengers departing UK airports, rather than those arriving in Britain.
This means Nigerians travelling from Lagos to London will not pay the tax on their outbound journey. However, passengers departing the UK for Lagos will be subject to the applicable charge.
The tax is generally incorporated into airline ticket prices, with airlines responsible for collecting and remitting the money to the British government.
The applicable rate is determined by the distance between London and the capital of the passenger’s final destination country, rather than necessarily the city where the aircraft lands.
Most destinations in West, East and Central Africa fall within Band B, which covers journeys between 2,001 and 5,500 miles. South Africa and some other more distant destinations fall within Band C, covering journeys exceeding 5,500 miles.
Multiple Tax Scheduled
From April 2027, economy-class passengers travelling to Band B destinations will pay approximately $141 (£105.33), up from $137 (£102).
The corresponding premium and business-class charge will increase from $327 (£244) to approximately $337 (£251.95).
For Band C destinations, the economy charge will rise from $142 (£106) to approximately $147 (£109.46), while premium and business-class passengers will pay about $350 (£261.25), compared with the current £253.
The additional adjustment in April 2028 will push the charges higher.
Private aviation passengers will face substantially larger increases. From April 2028, qualifying private-jet passengers travelling to Band B destinations will attract a duty of approximately $1,564 (£1,167.93) per passenger, rising to $1,627 (£1,214.78) for Band C destinations.
