That figure continues a trend identified in our 2024 analysis which found a global average increase of +4.7% across more than 1,000 airports. The headline figure for UK airports, however, masks some meaningful variation in how individual airports have structured their charges this year.
Heathrow: Broadly stable in overall terms
At Heathrow, the overall turnaround cost remained broadly unchanged year-on-year. Increases across landing and take-off charges, emissions charges, and passenger-related fees were largely offset by a reduction in departing aircraft charges, which represent the largest single component of the airport's fee structure.
Edinburgh: A more complex picture
Edinburgh's year-on-year comparison is harder to read at a headline level, because the airport has restructured its passenger charging model in a way that adds significant complexity.
Previously, passenger charges at Edinburgh varied by season and by movement type. Now, a third variable has been introduced: time of day. The day is split into seven time brackets each carrying a different passenger charge rate.
Table showing Edinburgh Airport passenger charge rates broken down into time brackets
The practical effect depends heavily on when an aircraft operates. In the summer months, passenger charges have increased significantly. In winter, charges have remained the same or decreased.
Edinburgh Airport: % change in passenger charge 2025-2026, controlled movements*. Source: AirportCharges
Edinburgh Airport: % change in passenger charge 2025-2026, non-controlled movements*. Source: AirportCharges
The charts above illustrate this split for both controlled and non-controlled movements* across each of the seven time brackets.
AirportCharges gives airlines, airports and operators full visibility of charge structures like Edinburgh's, including time-of-day and seasonal variables, across more than 3,000 airports worldwide.
Notes
Analysis covers the top 10 UK airports by international seat count. Turnaround costs are modelled on an A320neo.
*Edinburgh Airport defines controlled movements as those where the dedicated assets, infrastructure and services associated with immigration and border control are utilised; non-controlled are those where they are not.
