Britain’s £10 Airport Goodbye Is Now Under Government Review

The UK’s Department for Transport has confirmed it will review airport drop-off charges, saying it is vital that travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly. The announcement followed RAC analysis showing that 16 of the country’s 20 busiest airports raised their fees over the past 12 months. No formal scope or timeline for the review was given.

The average charge has risen by about a third since last summer, to roughly £7. Gatwick and Stansted are now the most expensive at £10, up from £7, for stays of up to 10 and 15 minutes respectively. Edinburgh and Bristol charge £8.50, Leeds Bradford, London City and Bournemouth £8, and Heathrow £7 but requires drivers to leave immediately.

London City introduced its first charge, so every one of the 20 busiest airports now charges, whereas six offered free drop-off before Covid. Liverpool John Lennon, East Midlands, Belfast City and Southampton held their prices. RAC says none of the EU’s 10 busiest airports charge for drop-offs, nor do hubs such as Dubai and Istanbul.

Reactions split predictably. RAC’s Rod Dennis said four in five surveyed drivers consider the fees a rip-off, while Airports UK’s Karen Dee argued many overseas airports are publicly owned and subsidized, whereas most UK airports are private and pay full commercial rates. The Business Travel Association called for a £3 cap applied only at peak times.

Sources: Business Travel News Europe, RAC