The UK government has committed to reviewing airport drop-off charges after a sharp rise in fees. The move follows RAC analysis showing that more than three quarters of UK airports had raised or introduced drop-off fees for drivers between this summer and last.
Sixteen out of 20 airports analysed by the motoring services company 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 had increased by a third to £7, the RAC said.
Government commitment to review
This week, the government said it had committed to reviewing the charges to “ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly”.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said of the announcement: “This will be music to the ears of drivers, as we know airport drop-off charges are a growing source of anger and frustration.”
He added: “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.”
Mr Dennis said that so-called “farewell fees” are at “direct odds with most major airports overseas” where drivers are able to drop passengers off free of charge close to terminals. “If convenient, free drop-off zones work at so many international airports, why not here in the UK?” he said.
Costs vary between airports
Heathrow, the country’s busiest airport, charges drivers a £7 drop off fee, while at Gatwick it is £10 for 10 minutes and an additional £1 for each minute up to 20 minutes.
At London Stansted, the cost is £10 for up to 15 minutes and £28 for between 16 to 30 minutes. Drivers dropping passengers at Manchester Airport are charged £5.50 for five minutes.
A Department for Transport spokesperson 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.”
Some free options available
Travellers being dropped off at airports by taxis and private hire vehicles generally have the fees added to their fares. UK airports typically offer free options for dropping passengers off in mid- or long-stay car parks connected to terminals by buses.
The scope of the review has not yet been confirmed, but it is understood it could cover issues including affordability, accessibility, the way airports use revenue from drop-off charges and the extent to which the charges encourage passengers to use public transport.
Airports respond
Chief executive of trade body AirportsUK, Karen Dee, said: “Airports offer a range of options for those travelling to terminals, including free drop-off points, while money raised through premium services form a part of the airport business model, helping support the provision of the widest variety of flights from the airport, benefitting passengers.
“This is vital as 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.
“Any review will find that UK airports make excellent use of a variety of ways to manage traffic and air pollution, as per national and local government policies, to keep flight costs low, invest in infrastructure, and drive connectivity.”
