The UK government has announced a review into soaring airport drop-off charges, following RAC analysis that found more than three-quarters of UK airports had raised or introduced drop-off fees for drivers in the year to this summer.
The extent of the review is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to analyse affordability and how airports use the revenue from drop-off charges. The review may also explore whether the charges encourage passengers to use public transport, and the impact on accessibility.
Government calls for restraint on rises
A Department for Transport spokesperson said the review was "vital" to ensure travel remains accessible. They said: "The aviation minister has just this week committed to launch a review of drop-off charges at UK airports – because it is vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly. In the meantime, we hope airports exercise restraint on rises, particularly where there are limited public transport alternatives."
RAC found that 16 of 20 airports had increased so-called "kiss and fly" charges over the past 12 months, with the average cost rising by a third since last summer to £7, up £1.70.
Most expensive airports for drop-offs
London Gatwick and Stansted were the most expensive at £10, followed by £8.50 at Edinburgh and Bristol, and £8 at Leeds Bradford, London City and Bournemouth. With London City introducing a charge for the first time, all 20 of the UK’s busiest airports now charge for terminal drop-offs. Before the Covid pandemic, six still offered free drop-offs.
On a per-minute basis, London City topped the list at £1.60 per minute, ahead of Manchester at £1.10 and Gatwick at £1. Only four airports – Liverpool John Lennon (£6), East Midlands (£5), Belfast City (£4) and Southampton (£7) – kept prices unchanged.
Comparison with international airports
This contrasts with many major overseas airports. None of the EU’s 10 busiest airports charges drivers to drop off passengers, while the same is true at major international hubs including Atlanta, Dubai, Shanghai and Istanbul.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said the review would be "music to the ears of drivers, as we know airport drop-off charges are a growing source of anger and frustration". He said: "We’ve brought national attention to the issue by calling out these fees over many years, so are pleased they will now be scrutinised. 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. If convenient, free drop-off zones work at so many international airports, why not here in the UK?"
Airports UK responds
In a BBC News interview, Karen Dee, chief executive of Airports UK, said: "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."
