The average cost has increased by a third
More than three quarters of UK airports raised or introduced drop-off fees for drivers in the past year, according to new research, reports BritPanorama.
Sixteen out of 20 airports analysed by the RAC have increased so-called “kiss and fly” charges, which are typically levied for dropping off a passenger as close to a terminal as possible, since last summer.
The average cost has increased by a third.
Gatwick and Stansted charge the highest fees, at £10 for 10 minutes and 15 minutes respectively. They are followed by Edinburgh and Bristol, both at £8.50 for 10 minutes.
London City has transitioned from being the only major UK airport analysed that allowed free drop-offs outside its terminal to imposing the most expensive charge per minute at £8 for five minutes.
The only four airports not to increase their charges this year are Liverpool John Lennon, East Midlands, Belfast City, and Southampton.
Passengers being dropped off by taxis and private hire vehicles generally have the fees added to their fares.
The RAC indicated that none of the ten busiest airports in the European Union charge for drop-offs, alongside other major international hubs like Dubai, Shanghai, and Istanbul.
UK airports typically provide free options for dropping passengers off in mid- or long-stay car parks that are connected to terminals by buses.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis stated, “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.”
He added, “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.”
Mr. Dennis advised drivers to be “extremely careful” about park now, pay later drop-off zones, which do not have barriers. He highlighted the risk of receiving a parking charge notice up to £100 for those who miss signage or forget to pay promptly.
Conservative peer Lord Moylan has tabled an amendment to the Civil Aviation Bill requesting a review of drop-off charges.
A spokesperson for industry body AirportsUK commented, “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 added that the fees are also essential for managing congestion, as well as the traffic and air pollution concerns of local communities, aligning with climate change objectives.
“These are issues that airports are mandated to manage by the Government and local authorities,” the spokesperson explained. “Airports outside the UK have a different business model, typically being publicly owned and in receipt of state subsidies and tax discounts.”
In contrast, “the UK airport sector is generally privately owned and paying full commercial rates of taxation.”
Most expensive drop-off fees for UK airports
£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
The rising trend in airport drop-off fees reflects a growing pressure on the UK aviation sector to balance operational costs with passenger services. As these charges climb, the question of value for money for consumers becomes increasingly pertinent, highlighting the need for airport management to justify their pricing strategies amidst a competitive global landscape.
