The UK government has announced plans to review drop-off charges at airports following substantial price increases over recent years. According to analysis conducted in July this year, fees at major airports have risen by approximately one-third since summer 2025 on average. Specific increases include Gatwick and Stansted airports, where charges climbed from £7 to £10, while Edinburgh saw fees rise from £6 to £8.50. Bournemouth, Leeds Bradford, and London City airports now charge £8, up from £5 at Bournemouth and varying previous amounts elsewhere. Belfast International raised its drop-off fee by £2 compared to the previous year, now charging £5 for 10 minutes.
The Department for Transport stated the review aims to “ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly.” The government has indicated hope that airports would exercise restraint on future increases, particularly at locations with limited public transportation alternatives. The RAC, which conducted the pricing analysis, has been a vocal critic of these charges and welcomed the government review announcement. Survey data from the organization found that four in five drivers consider drop-off charges a “rip-off,” with only one in ten understanding the rationale behind airport pricing. London City Airport, which introduced charges this year, currently has the highest per-minute cost at £1.60, based on its £8 charge for five minutes.
Airports and industry representatives defend the charges as necessary components of their business models and traffic management strategies. Karen Dee, chief executive of Airports UK, noted that UK airports are typically privately owned and subject to commercial taxation, unlike many European counterparts that receive state subsidies. The Aviation Environment Federation has supported such fees as mechanisms to reduce congestion and air pollution. However, analysis showed that none of the top 10 airports in the European Union impose drop-off charges. Earlier this month, the government announced that additional charges for parents accompanying children on flights would be eliminated in time for next year’s summer holidays, framed as part of efforts to address household cost pressures.
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