What Andy Burnham as PM could mean for your holidays - higher tourist taxes, pricier flights and doubts over Heathrow's third runway

Andy Burnham has been sworn in as the United Kingdom's new prime minister following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer earlier this week. The former mayor of Manchester, who represents the constituency of Makerfield, has already drawn attention for his controversial policies, including the introduction of the 'mansion tax' during his time in local government. Now, as the nation's top leader, his decisions are expected to shape various aspects of daily life, particularly for travelers. Burnham's tenure as mayor of Manchester saw him advocate for a tourist tax, a policy that could gain broader traction under his leadership. In England, mayors have the authority to impose a flat fee of up to £2 per night, per person, on accommodation bills in designated areas. During his time in office, Burnham supported a £1-per-night 'city visitor charge,' which generated approximately £2.8 million in its first year. According to a briefing from the House of Commons Library, the government conducted a consultation in November 2025 regarding granting mayors the power to introduce such a levy. A bill enabling this was included in the 2026 King's Speech, suggesting the measure might not be implemented until 2028 at the earliest. Burnham has also shown interest in promoting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). As mayor of Greater Manchester, he emphasized the importance of Manchester Airport in the region's economic growth, noting its contribution to thousands of high-skilled jobs. He praised efforts to decarbonize the aviation industry and highlighted the need for sustainable practices that align with Greater Manchester’s carbon-neutral goals. Discussions on these topics took place during a meeting between Sustainable Aviation members and Burnham in November. His endorsement of SAF suggests that rising costs associated with this type of fuel could lead to higher airfares, according to reports from the Telegraph. Regarding Heathrow Airport's proposed third runway, Burnham's stance remains unclear. Heathrow currently serves as a vital hub, handling nearly five million passengers on its 13 domestic routes in 2025, generating an estimated £1.2 billion in tourism-related spending. However, the airport has operated near full capacity for two decades, leading to the loss of direct domestic connections. Passengers increasingly rely on indirect routes through overseas hubs, which diminishes the economic benefits of connectivity within the UK. The UK government has expedited the approval process for the £33 billion third-runway expansion, aiming for completion by 2035. While Burnham has raised concerns about the potential for the new runway to draw more investment and activity towards London, thereby exacerbating regional imbalances, stopping the project entirely appears unlikely. His previous warnings suggest that the expansion could further widen the gap between the capital and the rest of the country, leaving the North behind in terms of economic opportunity. As Burnham begins his term, the implications of his policies on tourism, transportation, and regional development will continue to unfold. Travelers may soon face changes in pricing structures, environmental regulations, and infrastructure developments that could significantly affect their experiences. The coming months will reveal how his vision translates into action, shaping both the economy and the everyday lives of citizens.