Motorists are being cautioned about the rising fees at UK airports for dropping off passengers this summer. In contrast, many major European airports continue to provide free, brief stops for drivers. The cost of drop-offs at some UK airports is now pricier per minute than peak-season holiday flights.
The RAC’s analysis reveals that 11 out of the 20 largest UK airports have increased their fees since last year, with some charging up to £7 for dropping off. Luton and Manchester now charge £5 for a maximum five-minute stay, more per minute than a return flight from Manchester to Turkey in August.
The practice is at odds with the policies of the biggest airports in the EU, where eight out of 10, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Madrid, and Frankfurt, still allow free drop-offs close to terminals.
Rod Dennis, the RAC’s senior policy officer, highlighted the challenges faced by passengers with mobility issues or heavy luggage when short stay parking is not available near terminals. There is also growing frustration with drop-off zones without barriers, requiring drivers to pay online, leading to unwanted fines for those who miss this or forget to pay.
Karen Dee, the CEO of AirportsUK, defended the charges, stating that airports offer free drop-off facilities and that the fees help manage congestion, noise, carbon emissions, and air pollution, as mandated by the government and local authorities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/jul/17/uk-drivers-warned-of-soaring-charges-to-drop-off-passengers-at-airports
