Hong Kong has announced a hike in the Air Passenger Departure Tax (APDT), effective from 1 October 2025. The tax, which is applied to all passengers aged 12 and older departing from Hong Kong International Airport, will increase by 67%, from HKD 120 (US$15) to HKD 200 (US$26).
The increase was confirmed by Paul Chan, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, during the 2025-26 budget presentation on 26 February 2025. The hike aims to help address Hong Kong’s financial deficit and is expected to generate an additional HKD 1.6 billion (US$208 million) in government revenue annually.
The APDT is included in the airfare, and travellers who qualify for specific exemptions, such as direct transit or layover passengers, can apply for a refund through the Civil Aviation Department. Passengers with unused tickets are also eligible for a full refund.
Despite concerns, Chan stated that the tax increase is expected to have a minimal impact on passenger air traffic. The move is part of broader efforts to address a financial deficit of HKD 87.2 billion (US$11.4 billion) as the city’s economy continues to recover from the pandemic.
