Airport drop-off charges to be reviewed after sharp increase

The government has announced a forthcoming review of airport drop-off charges following significant increases in recent years. According to recent analysis, average prices at major UK airports have surged by approximately one-third since the summer of 2025. Gatwick and Stansted airports have seen the most considerable hikes, with drop-off fees jumping from £7 to £10. Meanwhile, Edinburgh Airport’s charges have risen from £6 to £8.50, and Bournemouth now matches Leeds Bradford and London City at £8, up from £5.

The Department for Transport emphasized the importance of maintaining affordable travel options and ensuring passengers are treated fairly. Officials stated that the government hopes airports will moderate price rises, especially in locations where public transport alternatives are limited. The commitment to review these fees reflects growing concerns about accessibility and the financial burden placed on travelers.

Campaigners such as the RAC, which conducted the recent analysis, have been vocal in opposition to the fee increases, describing the charges as a “rip-off.” Rod Dennis, the RAC’s senior policy officer, highlighted drivers’ dissatisfaction, noting that “four-in-five drivers we’ve surveyed believe they are a ‘rip-off’, with just one-in-10 understanding why airports charge what they do.” The research also pointed out that London City Airport’s recent introduction of an £8 fee for a five-minute drop-off period equates to £1.60 per minute, making it the costliest on a per-minute basis. Similarly, Belfast International Airport raised its charge to £5 for 10 minutes, a £2 increase from last year. The RAC contrasts this with airport policies across the European Union, where the top 10 airports do not impose drop-off charges.

Supporters of these fees argue that they play a vital role in the financial workings of airports and encourage the use of more environmentally friendly transportation. Karen Dee, chief executive of Airports UK, explained that “Airports outside the UK are typically publicly owned and in receipt of state subsidies and tax exemptions, while UK airports are generally privately owned and subject to the full array of commercial rates of taxation.” She also pointed out that airports provide various options for reaching terminals, including free drop-off zones, and asserted that government reviews would likely find airports effectively managing traffic and pollution through these measures. Environmental groups such as the Aviation Environment Federation have similarly defended the charges as tools for reducing congestion and air pollution around airports. In other recent travel-related news, the government has pledged to eliminate additional charges for parents sitting with their children on flights by next summer, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham describing this change as part of broader efforts to alleviate the cost of living for families

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