Drop-off charges at UK airports to be reviewed after sharp increase
Airport drop-off charges are to be reviewed by the government following sharp price increases in recent years.
The UK government is planning to review airport drop-off charges following a significant price increase in recent years. Since the summer of 2025, average drop-off charges at major UK airports have risen by a third, with Gatwick and Stansted being the most expensive, jumping from £7 to £10. Edinburgh Airport's charges rose from £6 to £8.50 and Bournemouth's increased from £5 to £8, matching the fees at Leeds Bradford and London City.
The Department for Transport confirmed it would conduct a review, stating it is "vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly." The government hopes airports will "exercise restraint on rises, particularly where there are limited public transport alternatives." The RAC, which conducted a study in July, has been campaigning against these increases, arguing that they are a "rip-off" for drivers.
According to the RAC, four-in-five drivers believe these charges are unjust, with only one-in-10 understanding the rationale behind them. London City Airport, which recently introduced charges, is the most expensive on a per-minute basis, costing £1.60 per minute for a five-minute drop-off. The RAC argues that international airports should not charge for passenger drop-offs, while the industry maintains that such fees are necessary for airports' business models.
Opponents of the charges also argue that they encourage the use of more environmentally friendly transport methods. Supporters of the charges claim that airports, particularly those outside the UK, often receive state subsidies and tax exemptions, making these fees justifiable. However, the Aviation Environment Federation has defended the fees, stating they help reduce congestion and air pollution near airports.
Recently, the government announced that charges for parents sitting with their children on flights would be eliminated ahead of the summer holidays. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that these changes are part of a series of "everyday fixes" aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures.
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