Drivers dropping family and friends off at UK airports are facing even higher costs this summer after new research found charges have risen by a third in the past year. Analysis by the RAC found that 16 of the 20 airports it studied have either increased or introduced so-called “kiss and fly” fees since last summer, with some now charging as much as £10 just to stop outside the terminal for a few minutes.
Gatwick and Stansted remain the most expensive airports for terminal drop-offs, both charging £10, while London City has gone from being the only major airport in the study offering free terminal drop-offs to one of the costliest on a per-minute basis. Drivers dropping passengers off at London City now pay £8 for five minutes, making it the highest charge per minute among airports included in the research.
Edinburgh and Bristol are the next most expensive, with both charging £8.50 for up to 10 minutes.
The RAC said the average cost of airport drop-off fees has increased by around a third over the past year, despite many of the world’s busiest airports continuing to offer free terminal drop-offs.
According to the motoring organisation, none of the 10 busiest airports in the European Union charge drivers for dropping passengers off outside terminals. It said other major international hubs, including Dubai, Shanghai and Istanbul, also do not have equivalent fees.
Most UK airports do provide free alternatives, although these are generally located in mid- or long-stay car parks, with passengers needing to catch a shuttle bus to the terminal.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “It’s disappointing to see so many airports charging so much for what many regard as a simple act of kindness in dropping off family and friends.
“Having a captive audience should be no excuse for these farewell fees, especially when they’re completely at odds with how major airports around the world operate.
“Of course, airports need to manage the limited space they have carefully, but if free, convenient drop-off zones work at many other international airports, then why not here?”
Mr Dennis also urged motorists to take extra care when using airports with “park now, pay later” systems without barriers.
He said: “Those that drop off but miss the signage or forget to pay soon afterwards can face a parking charge notice as high as £100 – a fee that feels distinctly disproportionate to the contravention.”
The RAC found only four airports had not increased their charges over the past year: Liverpool John Lennon, East Midlands, Belfast City and Southampton.
Meanwhile, Conservative peer Lord Moylan has tabled an amendment to the Civil Aviation Bill calling for a review of airport drop-off charges.
Responding to the findings, an AirportsUK spokesperson said: “Where drop-off fees are charged, these are a part of the airport business model and help support the provision of the widest variety of flights from the airport.
“They are also necessary to manage congestion, and the traffic and air pollution concerns of our local communities, as well as our climate change objectives.
“These are issues that airports are mandated to manage by the Government and local authorities.
“Airports outside the UK have a different business model – typically being public-owned and in receipt of state subsidies and tax discounts.
“The UK airport sector is, in contrast, generally privately owned and paying full commercial rates of taxation.”