UK Regional Airports Face Sharp Rates Hikes

UK regional airports are bracing for substantial increases in business rates next year, with operators warning that the hikes will drive up air fares for passengers across the country. The changes stem from a government overhaul of property valuations that underpin the tax, affecting facilities outside London most severely.

Analysis of official government data shows that regional airports face some of the sharpest rises in business rates among all sectors. Calculations by the global tax firm Ryan, based on figures from the Valuation Office Agency, indicate that rateable values for some airports have increased more than sixfold following the latest revaluation. Although transitional relief will cap increases at 30 percent for 2026, the airports still anticipate significant cash outflows, with most bills expected to more than double over the next three years. The sector as a whole faces a 295 percent uplift in rateable values.

Manchester Airport stands out as one of the hardest hit, with its business rates bill projected to rise by 4.2 million pounds to 18.1 million pounds in 2026. Other major regional hubs will see similar strains: Bristol Airport faces an additional 1.2 million...