Travellers across the United Kingdom are being told to prepare for significant increases in the cost of air travel. This follows a stark warning that regional airports are confronting unprecedented rises in their property tax bills, a cost they say will inevitably be passed on to passengers.
Unprecedented Tax Hikes Revealed
Analysis of official Government data, conducted for the Press Association by global tax firm Ryan, has exposed the scale of the looming financial burden. The research is based on Valuation Office Agency (VOA) figures from the latest property revaluation, which underpins business rates.
The findings show that regional airports are facing some of the steepest increases of any sector in the UK. While major hubs like London Heathrow and Gatwick are also seeing large hikes, the most extreme cases are concentrated outside the capital. The sector-wide uplift in rateable values is a staggering 295 per cent, with some airports seeing values jump more than six-fold.
Which Airports Are Worst Affected?
Ryan's detailed calculations reveal the specific financial impact on key regional hubs. Even with transitional relief capping next year's increase at 30 per cent, these airports will endure some of the largest cash rises in the country. Over the next three years, most will see their bills more than double.
Manchester Airport is set for the biggest blow, with its business rates bill surging by £4.2 million to £18.1 million next year. Bristol Airport will see a £1.2 million increase to £5.2 million, while Birmingham International Airport is expected to face a £1.8 million hike to £7.6 million.
Other airports facing mammoth increases include:
- Liverpool Airport: £233,100 rise to £1 million
- East Midlands International Airport: £437,895 increase to £1.9 million
- Newcastle International Airport: £244,755 hike to £1.1 million
- Bournemouth Airport: £102,398 increase to £443,723
Costs to 'Flow Through' to Ticket Prices
Industry experts have issued a clear warning about the consequences for consumers. Alex Probyn, practice leader for Europe and Asia-Pacific property tax at Ryan, stated that regional airports cannot absorb a cost shock of this magnitude.
"These increases will inevitably flow through the system: first into airport charges, then into airline costs, and ultimately into ticket prices," Probyn told the Press Association.
Airport operators have also cautioned that the tax blow threatens vital investment. A spokesperson for Manchester Airports Group, which was prepared to invest over £2 billion in its UK airports over the next five years, said the plans must now be re-examined.
"It is inevitable air travel will become more expensive as the industry absorbs these costs. That impacts hard-working people throughout the country and makes global trade harder for businesses," the spokesperson added.
Sector Warns of 'Short-Sighted' Policy
The trade body AirportsUK has labelled the government's plans as "short-sighted". The group, which is preparing a response to the Treasury's consultation closing in February 2026, argues the hikes will have a severe knock-on effect for local economies.
They warn the policy risks negatively impacting areas that depend on the supply chains, tourists, and global connections their airports provide. The industry is now pinning hopes on a separate, long-term government review into how airport business rates are calculated, urging the Treasury to ensure it delivers a framework that supports investment and growth.
The fundamental message to passengers is clear: with the new property tax valuations taking effect from 2026, the era of cheaper regional flights is coming under severe threat.
