Holidaymakers planning to travel in 2026 are being warned that flying from major UK airports, including those in London, could become more expensive due to sharp increases in airport business rates. According to reporting by the Daily Post, airport operators fear the higher tax burden will ultimately be passed on to passengers through increased airport charges and air fares.
While much of the initial focus has been on regional hubs, the issue is not limited to Manchester alone. Airports across the country are expected to be affected, including:
Regional airports that are affected
- Manchester Airport – a major hub for long-haul and short-haul leisure travel.
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport – popular for low-cost European routes.
- Birmingham Airport – serving the Midlands and a growing long-haul network.
- Leeds Bradford Airport – a key gateway for Yorkshire holidaymakers.
- Bristol Airport – heavily used by travellers from the South West and Wales.
London airports are also affected
Crucially, airports serving the capital are also expected to feel the impact of the new business rate valuations, including:
- London Heathrow Airport – the UK’s busiest airport, where any increase in operating costs could have nationwide implications.
- London Gatwick Airport – a major leisure airport with extensive short-haul and long-haul services.
- London Stansted Airport – heavily used by low-cost carriers and holidaymakers.
- London Luton Airport – popular with budget airlines and package holiday travellers.
The Daily Post reports that airport industry leaders have described the increases as “unprecedented” for some sites. They warn that higher business rates could push up the fees charged to airlines, which may then be reflected in ticket prices from 2026 onwards.
DM News Commentary
This is a significant development for both passengers and the wider transport industry. With London and regional airports affected, the risk of higher fares is not confined to one part of the country. Even small increases at major hubs like Heathrow or Gatwick can ripple across the entire UK aviation network.
For taxi and private hire drivers — particularly those specialising in airport transfers — this could reinforce the value of fixed-price, pre-booked ground transport, as passengers look to control costs wherever possible. If flying becomes more expensive, travellers may become more selective about how they get to and from the airport.
For now, the warning gives holidaymakers time to plan ahead. But unless changes are made to how airport business rates are applied, 2026 could mark another step up in the overall cost of travel for UK passengers.
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