More than half of Britain’s busiest airports have increased their short-stay drop-off charges in the past year, with some now charging up to £7 for just a few minutes of parking, according to a new report from the RAC.
The motoring organisation surveyed the 20 busiest airports across the UK and found that 11 had raised their “kiss-and-fly” fees since July 2023. Among the highest were Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, Southampton, and Stansted, all now charging £7 for dropping passengers close to the terminal — a fee applicable even for stops lasting only a few minutes.
The surge in prices has drawn criticism from motorists and campaigners, who argue that the increases penalise drivers with little alternative. “Drivers are a captive audience and that’s why we think airports are so keen on these sorts of fees,” said Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC. “But honestly, £7 for a stop that could be no more than 10 minutes does seem a little steep.”
He added that the year-on-year price hikes are likely to be a “huge source of frustration” for those dropping off loved ones during the busy summer travel season.
By contrast, a survey of major EU airports showed a markedly different approach. Of the ten busiest airports in the European Union, nine do not charge any drop-off fees. Frankfurt and Paris Charles de Gaulle, for example, allow free drop-offs, while only Amsterdam Schiphol levies a small charge of €2.50 (about £2.17).
In the UK, even traditionally lower-cost airports have joined the trend. Cardiff Airport introduced a fee for the first time this year, asking £3 for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, Luton and Manchester airports emerged as the most expensive on a per-minute basis, with each charging £5 for just five minutes.
Airport operators defend the charges as necessary. Karen Dee, chief executive of trade body Airports UK, said the fees help manage traffic congestion, reduce emissions, and support sustainability goals. “These charges are part of the airport business model,” she explained, “and help enable the provision of the widest variety of flights from the airport.”
Some airports, including Gatwick and Southampton, noted that Blue Badge holders remain exempt from the charges. “All of the funds generated through our parking facility are reinvested into the airport and play an important role in securing new routes for the region,” a Southampton Airport spokesperson said.
London City Airport is currently the only one among the 20 busiest that does not charge for short-term drop-offs near its terminal.
As holiday travel ramps up, the rising kiss-and-fly fees are likely to remain a contentious issue — particularly given the lack of similar charges across much of Europe.
