UK airport drop-off fees soar by a third on average; London Gatwick tops list at £10 for 10 minutes

Drop-off fees at UK airports have increased by an average of a third since last summer, with London Gatwick charging the highest rate of £10 for 10 minutes.²³

Sixteen of the UK’s 20 busiest airports have raised these fees, according to a new analysis by the RAC.

Leeds Bradford Airport charges £8 for 10 minutes, while Edinburgh and Bristol follow closely at £8.50.

RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis expressed disappointment, stating, "It’s disappointing to see so many airports charging so much for what many regard as a simple act of kindness in dropping off family and friends."

Drivers are also cautioned about barrierless 'park now, pay later' zones, which can lead to parking charge notices of up to £100 for those who fail to pay promptly.

Lord Moylan has proposed an amendment to the Civil Aviation Bill to review these charges, highlighting the growing concern over the financial burden on drivers.

In contrast, none of the top 10 airports in the EU charge for drop-offs, raising questions about the rationale behind the UK's fees.

Celeste Hicks from the Aviation Environment Federation defended the charges, suggesting they could incentivize the use of public transport to reduce congestion and pollution.

However, Clive Wratten from the Business Travel Association criticized the fees, stating, "The goalposts have moved so many times now that the credibility of any justification has long since gone."