More than three quarters of UK airports have raised or introduced drop-off fees for drivers in the past year, according to new research by the RAC. Sixteen out of 20 airports analysed have increased so-called 'kiss and fly' charges since last summer, with the average cost rising by a third.
Highest fees and new charges
Gatwick and Stansted now charge the highest fees at £10 for 10 minutes and 15 minutes respectively. Edinburgh and Bristol follow at £8.50 for 10 minutes. London City Airport has gone from offering free drop-offs to charging £8 for five minutes, making it the most expensive per minute. The only airports not to increase charges are Liverpool John Lennon, East Midlands, Belfast City and Southampton.
Comparison with EU and global airports
The RAC noted that none of the 10 busiest airports in the European Union charge for drop-offs, nor do major international hubs like Dubai, Shanghai and Istanbul. UK airports typically offer free drop-off options in mid- or long-stay car parks connected by buses.
Reactions and concerns
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: '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. Having a captive audience should be no excuse for these farewell fees – especially when they’re completely at odds with how major airports around the world operate.' He also warned drivers about 'park now, pay later' zones, where forgetting to pay can result in a parking charge notice of up to £100.
Political and industry responses
Conservative peer Lord Moylan has tabled an amendment to the Civil Aviation Bill calling for a review of drop-off charges. A spokesperson for AirportsUK defended the fees, stating: 'Where drop-off fees are charged, these are a part of the airport business model and help support the provision of the widest variety of flights from the airport. They are also necessary to manage congestion, and the traffic and air pollution concerns of our local communities.' The spokesperson added that UK airports are generally privately owned and pay full commercial rates of taxation, unlike many overseas airports that are publicly owned and subsidised.
List of most expensive drop-off fees
- £10: Gatwick and Stansted
- £8.50: Bristol and Edinburgh
- £8: Bournemouth, Leeds Bradford and London City
- £7: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Glasgow, Heathrow, Luton and Southampton
- £6: Liverpool John Lennon and Newcastle
- £5.50: Manchester
- £5: Belfast International and East Midlands
- £4.50: Cardiff
- £4: Belfast City
