Holidaymakers warned of flight price hikes as UK airports grapple with millions of pounds in higher taxes due to Labour changes
Regional airports are among those facing the highest jump in business rate bills because of changes coming into effext next April, an analysis has found.
By GREG HEFFER, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT and PA MEDIA
Published: 16:05 GMT, 29 December 2025 | Updated: 16:06 GMT, 29 December 2025
Holidaymakers have been warned of flight price hikes as UK airports grapple with 'unprecedented' rises in property tax following Rachel Reeves' Budget.
Regional airports are among those facing the highest jump in business rate bills because of changes coming into effext next April, an analysis has found.
An overhaul of property valuations underpinning business rates will leave London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports with eye-watering increases in their tax bills.
But a study of Government data showed the most extreme cases are focused outside of the capital.
Global tax firm Ryan's analysis of Valuation Office Agency (VOA) data found that the rateable values have jumped more than six-fold in some cases in the latest property revaluation.
Even with so-called transitional relief, which limits increases to 30 per cent next year, regional airports will still endure some of the largest cash increases in the country.
And most airports will see their bills more than double over the next three years after changes announced by the Chancellor last month.
Manchester Airport is among the worst affected, with its business rates bill set to surge by £4.2million to £18.1million next year, according to Ryan's data.
Manchester Airport is among the worst affected, with its business rates bill set to surge by £4.2million to £18.1million next year, according to Ryan's data
Bristol Airport will see a £1.2million increase to £5.2million, while Birmingham International Airport is expected to see a £1.8 million hike to £7.6million.
Newcastle International Airport is in line for a £244,755 hike to £1.1million.
Alex Probyn, practice leader for Europe and Asia-Pacific property tax at Ryan, said: 'With an unprecedented 295 per cent sector-wide uplift, regional airports simply 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.'
Airport operators have warned the tax blow may also hold back investment in the sector.
A Manchester Airports Group spokesperson said: 'Airports were already some of the highest rates-payers in the country and were prepared to pay significantly more.