UK travellers facing higher ticket prices amid ‘unprecedented’ tax increases at airports

WorldBusiness & FinanceTravel
29 Dec 2025 • 4:53 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • UK air travellers may face increased ticket prices as regional airports brace for significant rises in property tax, known as business rates.
  • Analysis of government data indicates regional airports are set for "unprecedented" increases, with some rateable values surging over six-fold following a property revaluation.
  • Even with transitional relief, most airports anticipate their business rates bills will more than double over the next three years.
  • Major regional facilities such as Manchester, Bristol, and Birmingham airports are among the worst affected, facing multi-million-pound increases.
  • Industry experts and airport operators warn these substantial costs will inevitably lead to higher ticket prices, potentially hindering investment and negatively impacting local economies.

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