Air travellers in the UK are being told to brace for significant increases in ticket prices, as regional airports across the nation grapple with what industry experts are calling 'unprecedented' rises in property tax.
An analysis of official Government data, conducted for the Press Association, reveals that regional airports are facing some of the steepest business rates increases of any sector. This comes amid a major overhaul of the property valuations that underpin the tax system.
Staggering Increases Across the Regions
While London's major hubs, Heathrow and Gatwick, are also facing substantial rises, the most extreme cases are concentrated outside the capital. Calculations by global tax firm Ryan, based on Valuation Office Agency (VOA) data, show that rateable values have jumped more than six-fold in some instances following the latest property revaluation.
Even with transitional relief capping increases at 30% for the coming year, regional airports will endure some of the largest cash hikes in the country. Over the next three years, most will see their bills more than double.
Manchester Airport is among the hardest hit, with its business rates bill set to surge by £4.2 million to £18.1 million next year. Other major airports facing mammoth increases include:
- Bristol Airport: A £1.2 million increase to £5.2 million.
- Birmingham International Airport: A £1.8 million hike to £7.6 million.
- Newcastle International Airport: A £244,755 rise to £1.1 million.
- Liverpool Airport: A £233,100 increase to £1 million.
Inevitable Pass-On to Passengers
Alex Probyn, practice leader for Europe and Asia-Pacific property tax at Ryan, stated the sector-wide uplift of 295% is unsustainable. "Regional airports simply cannot absorb a cost shock of this magnitude," he told PA. "These increases will inevitably flow through the system: first into airport charges, then into airline costs, and ultimately into ticket prices."
Airport operators have issued stark warnings that the tax blow could also stifle vital investment. A spokesperson for Manchester Airports Group, which was prepared for a significant rise, said increases of over 100% force a re-evaluation of plans to invest more than £2 billion in its UK airports over the next five years.
"It is inevitable air travel will become more expensive as the industry absorbs these costs," the spokesperson added. "That impacts hard-working people throughout the country and makes global trade harder for businesses."
Sector-Wide Concerns and Government Consultation
The trade body AirportsUK has labelled the Government's business rates plan as "short-sighted," warning it will have a severe knock-on effect for businesses reliant on airport connectivity across England. The group argues this risks damaging local economies that depend on the supply chains, tourists, and connections their airports provide.
AirportsUK is currently formulating a response to the Treasury's consultation on the business rates plan, which closes in February 2026. The organisation has emphasised the critical importance of a parallel, long-term government review into how airport business rates are calculated, pledging to engage with the Treasury to secure a positive outcome for future investment and growth.
The analysis confirms that other airports facing severe bill increases include East Midlands International Airport, set for a £437,895 rise to £1.9 million, and Bournemouth Airport, facing a £102,398 increase to £443,723.
