Air Passenger Duty Made Simple

Efficient, accurate and cost effective tax service for international airlines, aircraft operators and owners.

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UK RegisteredHMRC CompliantAviation Specialists

APD at a Glance

12APD Rate Bands

UK RepresentativeRequired for Overseas Operators

7 DaysRegistration Deadline

Rates apply to all aircraft with MTOW exceeding 5,700kg departing UK airports.

About Us

Air Passenger Duty Direct

At APD Direct, our mission is to simplify the tax process for our clients. We understand that taxes, such as air passenger duty tax, can be complicated and stressful.

This is why we are committed to providing reliable and accurate tax service to airlines, aircraft operators and owners, supporting them in meeting their tax obligations and managing their tax liabilities effectively.

HMRC Registered Tax Agent

Air Charter Association Member

Specialist Aviation Advisors

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Understanding Air Passenger Duty

Air Passenger Duty Explained

The UK Government levies a tax on all passengers departing the UK on aircraft with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) exceeding 5,700 kg. There are currently 12 different APD rate bands. Overseas operators without a UK establishment are required to appoint a UK representative to register for and account for APD on their behalf. At APD Direct, we act as your UK representative, assisting with registration, reporting, and payment submissions while ensuring all applicable rates and exemptions are correctly applied.

Registration Deadline

You must register for APD no later than 7 days after the first flight.

Occasional Operator Scheme

You may be eligible if you operate less than twelve flights annually from the UK and have an APD liability of less than GBP 5,000.00 each year.

APD Rate Finder

Look up APD rates by country

Search for any destination country to instantly see the current Air Passenger Duty rates per passenger, by travel class. The Domestic band applies to flights between UK airports, Band A covers destinations within 2,000 miles of London, Band B from 2,001–5,500 miles, and Band C over 5,500 miles. Rates effective from 1 April 2026.

Our Expertise

Why Choose APD Direct

UK Based

As required by UK government guidelines, all overseas aircraft operators must be represented by a UK-based tax representative. We are available on +44 1483 323787 / support@apddirect.co.uk.

Our Services

We provide a full range of services including registration, monthly filing, and ongoing HMRC compliance. Our team of tax professionals ensures your obligations are always met.

Our Approach

We combine technical expertise with established industry relationships to support international airlines in meeting their tax obligations. Acting as a trusted partner, we keep clients informed, advocate on their behalf where appropriate, and provide ongoing support throughout the compliance process.

How It Works

The APD Filing Process

The APD Process — Part 1

Registration & Setup

Registration with HMRC, understanding operator eligibility, and setting up the correct filing structure. We guide you through every step to ensure your business is correctly registered and compliant.

Learn about registration

The APD Process — Part 2

Ongoing Compliance

Monthly submissions, record keeping, rate calculations across 12 bands, exemptions for crew, humanitarian and medical charters, and ongoing compliance consulting. We handle the complexity so you can focus on flying.

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Memberships & Accreditations