Two of Scotland's principal international airports have been accused of operating as a 'law unto themselves' and exploiting passengers as a 'cash cow' following staggering increases in drop-off charges that have reached up to 600 per cent over the past ten years. The controversy centres on Glasgow and Aberdeen airports, both operated by AGA Airports, where the so-called 'kiss-and-fly' fee has now escalated to £7 per vehicle.
Steep Escalation in Charges
This latest hike represents an increase of £1 at Glasgow Airport and £1.50 at Aberdeen Airport compared to last year's rates. Glasgow Airport recently raised its levy from £5.50 to £6 just last summer, while Aberdeen has also implemented increases since 2024, when the fee stood at £5.50. The cumulative effect over the decade has been dramatic, with Aberdeen witnessing a 600 per cent surge from its initial £1 charge introduced in 2015, and Glasgow experiencing a 250 per cent rise from the £2 fee established in 2017.
Political and Industry Backlash
The Scottish Conservatives' transport spokesperson, Sue Webber, has condemned the latest price rises, asserting that passengers and taxi firms are 'continuing to be used as a cash cow' and criticising the Scottish National Party for allegedly 'doing nothing to stop it.' Webber emphasised that many travellers depend on quick drop-offs due to unreliable or impractical public transport options for airport journeys under the current administration.
Echoing these sentiments, Scottish Labour's transport spokesman, Daniel Johnson, warned that such charges risk 'squeezing Scottish holidaymakers or driving away tourism and investment.' Johnson highlighted the cancellation of the rail link to Glasgow Airport as a factor forcing more people to bear these steep fees.
Taxi Federation's Strong Criticism
Jim Kyle, Chairman of the Scottish Taxi Federation, delivered a scathing assessment, stating: 'Airports are a law unto themselves and the £7 charge is over the top. I can't understand how they can justify the cost to literally drive in for less than a minute.' Kyle detailed the punitive structure where exceeding the 15-minute limit incurs a £1 per minute charge, labelling the situation 'scandalous.' He also criticised the advertised free parking options as impractical for passengers with multiple cases, noting the considerable distance from terminals.
Broader Context and Airport Defence
A recent study by the motoring organisation RAC revealed that 11 out of 20 UK airports analysed had either raised or introduced similar levies since the previous summer. This contrasts with many major European airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Barcelona, and Rome, which still impose no such charges.
In defence of the increases, a spokesperson for Glasgow and Aberdeen airports stated: 'We appreciate this is not a popular decision. However, it is important the airport remains competitive and all money raised serves to strengthen our connectivity and helps to attract new routes.' The airports highlight alternative options, including an hour-long free drop-off area in long-stay car parks with shuttle services to terminals.
Edinburgh Airport and Government Stance
Scotland's busiest airport, Edinburgh, has also increased its 'kiss-and-fly' rates from £5 to £6, offering a drop-off area in its long-stay car park, albeit without shuttle bus services to the terminal. Meanwhile, Transport Scotland has clarified that decisions on drop-off charges at Aberdeen and Glasgow are 'a commercial matter for the airport owner and operator,' with the Scottish Government asserting it has no power to intervene.
The ongoing dispute underscores growing tensions between airport operators seeking to enhance competitiveness and passengers facing escalating travel costs, with calls mounting for more affordable and fair airport access across Scotland.
