MAG statement on the Chancellor's Budget - November 2025

A Manchester Airports Group (MAG) spokesperson said:

"This Government has rightly recognised aviation's role in delivering its growth mission. Its policy support for major infrastructure investment that creates jobs, powers regions and unlocks global trade has been welcome.

“That position is inconsistent with the decision to more than double airports’ business rates bills.

"Airports were already some of the highest rates-payers in the country and were prepared to pay significantly more. 

"But increases of more than 100% mean we have to look again at our plans to invest more than £2bn in our airports across the UK over the next five years.

"It is inevitable air travel will become more expensive as the industry absorbs these costs. That impacts hard-working people throughout the country and makes global trade harder for businesses.

"Unless a realistic long-term settlement is agreed in the upcoming review, the growth of our sector - and the economy - will be held back."