UK travellers warned: book Spain flights now or pay more from April

Planning a trip from the UK to Spain? You might want to book sooner rather than later. From April 1, the UK will increase its Air Passenger Duty (APD), a tax added to every flight ticket – and airlines say it’s likely to push prices up, including on popular routes to Spain.

For anyone travelling regularly between the UK and Spain – including thousands of expats – the change could quietly make each trip that bit more expensive.

What’s changing with UK flight tax from April 1

The UK government is raising APD in line with inflation, which means higher charges depending on where you’re flying and how you travel.

Spain falls into what’s known as ‘Band A’ – destinations within roughly 2,000 miles of London. That includes most of Europe.

From April:

• Economy passengers flying to Spain will see APD rise from £13 to £15
• Premium economy, business and first class will go from £28 to £32

It might not sound like a big jump at first glance. But because the tax is built into ticket prices, airlines say it will feed directly into fares – especially during busy travel periods.

And for frequent flyers, those increases can add up quickly.

Why airlines are warning of higher fares

Airlines have been quick to react.

Ryanair has criticised APD for years, arguing that it makes flying more expensive and reduces demand – particularly for low-cost travel. The airline says higher taxes risk making the UK less competitive compared to countries with lower aviation charges.

Jet2 has also raised concerns, warning that the travel sector shouldn’t be treated as an easy source of tax revenue.

In reality, what matters for travellers is simple: when costs rise for airlines, ticket prices tend to follow.

That doesn’t mean every flight will suddenly jump in price overnight. But as summer demand builds – especially for Spain – the increase is likely to be reflected in fares.

What it means for expats travelling between the UK and Spain

For expats, this change is more than just a small tax adjustment.

Many people living in Spain still travel back to the UK regularly – whether for family visits, work or holidays. Routes like London to Alicante, Málaga or Mallorca are among the busiest.

So even a modest increase can have a noticeable impact over time.

For example:

• families travelling together will pay more overall
• last-minute bookings could feel the increase more sharply
• peak season flights may become even more expensive

There’s also another layer to consider. The tax applies per passenger, not per booking – so the more people travelling, the bigger the difference.

Is it really worth booking before April 1?

That’s the key question – and for many travellers, the answer is yes.

If you book before April 1, your ticket is based on the current tax rate. After that date, the new rates apply.

So if you already know your travel dates – especially for spring or summer – booking now could help you avoid paying more.

That said, prices are influenced by many factors, including demand, availability and fuel costs. So while APD is one part of the equation, it’s not the only one.

A familiar pattern for Spain routes

Spain has long been one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers. And changes like this tend to have a direct effect on those routes.

When costs rise, demand doesn’t necessarily disappear – but it can shift. Some travellers book earlier, others look for cheaper dates, and some reconsider how often they fly.

For Spain, the impact is usually felt in pricing rather than demand. Flights still fill up – but often at a higher cost.

What to expect next

The APD increase is already confirmed, and from April 1 it becomes part of the standard ticket price.

For travellers, there’s no action required – the tax is included automatically when you book. But timing could make a difference.

If you’re planning to travel between the UK and Spain in the coming months, it may be one of those moments where booking early actually pays off.

Because once April begins, the price you see is likely to include that little extra – whether you notice it or not.