UK government to review airport drop-off charges after surge
The UK Department for Transport will review airport drop-off fees after average prices rose by a third since summer 2025, with Gatwick and Stansted charging up to £10.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- The UK government has committed to reviewing soaring airport drop-off charges.
- Prices at major UK airports have risen by an average of one-third since summer 2025.
- Gatwick and Stansted raised their drop-off fees from £7 to £10 as the most expensive.
- RAC research notes that top 10 EU airports do not charge fees for drop-offs.
The UK government is set to review drop-off charges at airports across the country following sharp price increases in recent years that have sparked growing frustration among travellers.
According to analysis, prices at major UK airports have risen by an average of a third since the summer of 2025. Gatwick and Stansted have emerged as the most expensive locations, with fees jumping from £7 to £10.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Similar increases were recorded at other locations, including Edinburgh Airport where fees rose from £6 to £8.50, and Bournemouth where prices increased from £5 to £8, matching Leeds Bradford and London City. The Department for Transport confirmed its commitment to a review, stating it was vital to ensure travel remains accessible and passengers are treated fairly, while urging airports to exercise restraint on rises where public transport options are limited.
The government's intervention into airport drop-off fees highlights mounting pressure on household cost of living. While these fees were originally introduced to manage traffic congestion and curb emissions around terminals, rapid price hikes have placed an extra financial burden on drivers. The stark contrast with major EU airports, which reportedly do not charge for drop-offs at all, turns this issue into a broader debate over private airport business models versus consumer fairness.
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, stated that drop-off charges are a growing source of anger and frustration. RAC research revealed that London City Airport, which introduced fees in 2026, is the most expensive on a per-minute basis, charging £8 for five minutes or £1.60 per minute. Belfast International Airport now charges £5 for 10 minutes, representing a £2 increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, the aviation industry defended the commercial necessity of the fees. Karen Dee, chief executive of Airports UK, explained that international airports outside the UK are typically publicly owned with state subsidies and tax exemptions, whereas UK airports are privately owned and subject to full commercial taxation. The Aviation Environment Federation has also previously argued that the fees help reduce traffic congestion and local air pollution.
"We know airport drop-off charges are a growing source of anger and frustration."
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC
Source: BBC Business
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