Drop-off charges at 18 UK airports have risen for 2026, with some locations now charging up to £1 per minute for curbside unloading. Research by Motorpoint reveals the average cost of dropping off a loved one at the airport has climbed to £7.66, compared to £5.51 last year.
London Airports Lead Fee Hikes
London City Airport, which previously offered free drop-offs, has introduced an £8 fee. London Gatwick increased its charge by £4, meaning a 10-minute drop-off now costs £10. London Stansted also charges £10 for up to 15 minutes. Other London airports with increases include Luton (£7, up £2), Heathrow (£7, up £1), and Southend (£8, up £1).
Regional Airport Changes
In the South of England, Bournemouth Airport now charges £8 (up £3) and Southampton £7 (up £1). Norwich Airport in the East of England increased to £8 (up £3). Northern airports Newcastle (£6, up £1) and Leeds Bradford (£8, up £1) also saw rises. In the Midlands, Birmingham International charges £7 (up £1). Western airports Bristol (£8.50, up £1.50) and Exeter (£6, up £1) increased fees. Scottish airports Inverness (£3.90, up £0.10), Edinburgh (£8.50, up £2.50), Glasgow (£7, up £1), and Aberdeen (£7, up £1.50) also raised charges.
Airports Holding Fees Steady
Airports that have not increased fees for 2026 include Manchester, Liverpool, East Midlands, Glasgow Prestwick, Cardiff, and Teesside. Cornwall Airport Newquay offers 10 minutes of free parking in a designated drop-off zone.
Expert Advice and Warnings
Ben Custard, a motoring journalist at Motorpoint, said: “Although airport drop-off zones tend to be convenient as they are right next to the terminal, I’d suggest checking airport websites, as many have a free drop-off area slightly further away. Depending on who you’re dropping off and how much luggage they have, this could be a good option.” He cautioned motorists against dropping people off at nearby petrol stations or hotel car parks, as some have been fined for not using official airport drop-off points.
