Scotland’s biggest airports have warned sharp rises in business rates could put jobs, investment and flight routes at risk.
Edinburgh Airport’s rateable value has jumped from £9.5million to £37.5million, meaning its annual rates bill could rise from around £5.4million to almost £20.6million from April — an increase of more than £15million over 12 months, unless an appeal succeeds.
Glasgow Airport is facing an annual rise of more than £2million, while Aberdeen Airport’s rateable value has increased from £2.95million to £4.5million, leaving it facing a likely annual bill of around £2.5million, according to The Times.
A spokesman for Edinburgh airport said: “This level of increase threatens growth, jobs and Scotland’s global connectivity, and we hope to reach an amicable agreement that ensures the airport pays more while maintaining its record levels of investment.”
Kam Jandu, chief executive of AGS Airports, which owns Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, said: “We are committed to the long-term, sustainable growth of Aberdeen and Glasgow airports and this includes investing in our terminals. However, there is no question that significant increases in our cost base present challenges.”