UK travellers facing higher ticket prices amid ‘unprecedented’ tax increases at airports
Airports are bracing for an increase in property tax next year (Getty/iStock)
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.