Airport fees and landing charges has something to do with the price . May be its got more to do with the lack of competitors and the smaller demand. This also applies between Manchester and Gatwick even using the same airline same day , same destination. The north get cheaper houses the south east cheaper air fares.

Flights from Scotland, particularly out of hubs like Edinburgh (EDI) and Glasgow (GLA), are often priced higher due to a combination of Air Passenger Duty (APD) and regional logistical factors. The UK maintains the highest aviation tax in the world; as of April 2026, the APD has increased again, adding a significant flat fee to every ticket—roughly £15 for short-haul and over £100 for long-haul economy seats. Furthermore, Scotland's airports often lack the extreme competition found at London hubs like Heathrow or Gatwick, leading to fewer "price wars" between carriers. Seasonal demand also plays a role, with surges during events like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. While some flights from the Scottish Highlands and Islands are exempt from APD to support remote communities, most travelers flying from the main Central Belt cities pay a premium for the convenience of local departure versus traveling to London or Manchester, where higher volumes and more budget airline competition often drive base fares lower.