ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: “Inflation increased sharply this month to its highest annual rate since March last year.
“The rise was driven by air fares not falling as much as we usually see at this time of year, partly impacted by the timing of flights over Christmas and New Year.
The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rose to 3% in January from 2.5% in December, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
Plane fares, rising food costs and a sharp jump in private school fees all helped push inflation higher.
UK inflation jumped to its highest level for 10 months in January, according to new official figures.
