Bristol Airport has been named the most expensive in the UK, surpassing even London airports in terms of secondary costs. A study by idealo analysed fees across major UK airports and found that Bristol charges a minimum of £8.50 for drop-offs, an increase of £1.50 since January, and £110 for a seven-day parking stay. The business class lounge costs £48.99, also among the highest, while a pint averages £7.53.
Expansion Plans Drive Costs
The high costs may be linked to a £400 million expansion project at Bristol Airport, approved by the High Court in 2023. The plans aim to increase passenger capacity from 10 million to 12 million per year, extend the runway for long-haul flights to North America and the Middle East, and raise annual flights from 85,990 to 100,000. The expansion also includes a larger terminal, more shops and restaurants, additional car parking, and improved public transport.
The project is expected to create 1,000 on-site jobs and 36,000 jobs in the wider region. Despite initial rejection by North Somerset Council in 2020 on environmental grounds, a YouGov poll showed 44% support in the West of England, with only 24% opposing.
CEO Defends Expansion
Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol Airport, welcomed the support, stating: "It’s great to see such strong support for our plans from across our region. This polling shows that people want to travel from their local Airport and value connections – whether they’re travelling for business, leisure, or reuniting with loved ones abroad. Our proposals would directly connect our region with new destinations and boost the economy, creating 1,000 on-site jobs for local people."
Other Airports Also Hike Fees
Bristol is not alone in increasing charges. Edinburgh Airport raised drop-off fees by 42% to £8.50, citing an extra £8 million business rates bill. CEO Gordon Dewar explained: "We have not planned to raise fees this year, but like many across the hospitality and tourism sectors who have seen business rates soar, we have no choice but to pass part of this cost on to passengers." Edinburgh was followed by Aberdeen, Gatwick, and Manchester airports in the study.
