{
  "id": 14929979,
  "title": "£10 just to say goodbye: ‘Rip-off’ UK airport drop-off fees face government review",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/10-just-to-say-goodbye-rip-off-uk-airport-drop-off-fees-face",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T10:27:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euro Weekly News",
    "slug": "euro-weekly-news",
    "url": "https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/10/16/10-just-to-say-goodbye-rip-off-uk-airport-drop-off-fees-face-government-review/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Drop-off fees for drivers at UK airports are under review, with the government considering whether these charges should be eliminated entirely. The review, prompted by an amendment to the Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill, aims to assess the impact of these fees on passengers, as well as their affordability and transparency. Currently, up to £10 (€11.70) is charged at some airports for a 10-minute drop-off period, with fees increasing by an average of £1.70 (€2) since last summer. Gatwick and Stansted airports now charge the highest fee at £10, while London City charges around £1.60 per minute.\n\nThe review comes after the RAC found that 16 of the UK's 20 busiest airports raised their drop-off charges during this period, with Manchester charging £5.50 for five minutes. UK airports reportedly collect around £300 million (€351 million) annually from these charges, with four in five drivers surveyed by the RAC deeming them a \"rip-off.\" Interestingly, none of the 10 busiest airports in the EU currently charge for drop-offs.\n\nThe review is expected to consider factors such as affordability, transparency, and whether free drop-off should be available. The Transport Secretary is also expected to ensure airports exercise restraint on fee increases, particularly where public transport alternatives are limited. However, the review does not grant the government any power to set fees directly. In the meantime, airports may choose to maintain their current prices during the review period rather than raising them further. Longer-term, the review could provide ministers with the evidence needed to act on the matter.\n\nThe Business Travel Association has already called for a £3 cap on fees, peak-time-only charges, a 50% discount for electric vehicles, and a single daily charge, among other suggestions. The review could also determine where drivers have no viable alternatives, as some airports only offer free drop-off during specific periods, such as mid-stay or long-stay car parks. In such cases, using online or phone payment systems may help avoid penalties of up to £100.",
  "summary": "You’ve got 10 minutes at the kerb, a suitcase to unload and a goodbye to get through before the meter […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Drop-off fees at UK airports face government review.",
    "Charges up to £10 for 10-minute period, increasing by £1.70 since last summer.",
    "Review aims to assess impact on passengers and affordability."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}