Drop-off charges at UK airports to be reviewed after sharp increase
Confirming the review, the government said it was "vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly".
By BBC News
Airport drop-off charges are to be reviewed by the government after fees at major UK airports rose sharply.
An analysis by the RAC found that charges had increased by an average of a third since summer 2025. Drop-off fees at Gatwick and Stansted rose from £7 to £10, making them among the most expensive in the country.
The Department for Transport confirmed the review, saying it was “vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly”.
The government also said it hoped airports would show restraint over further increases, particularly where passengers have limited public transport alternatives.
The RAC said its latest analysis found that 16 of the UK’s 20 largest airports had increased their drop-off fees over the past year. Average charges rose to £7.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said the review would be welcomed by drivers, describing airport drop-off fees as a growing source of anger and frustration.
The organisation said four in five drivers surveyed considered the charges a “rip-off”, while only one in 10 understood why airports imposed them.
Fees have also risen at several other airports. Bournemouth’s charge increased from £5 to £8, while Belfast International Airport raised its fee for a 10-minute drop-off to £5.
London City Airport, which introduced charges in 2026, was found to have the highest per-minute rate in the RAC analysis, costing £8 for five minutes.
Airports have argued that drop-off charges help manage traffic and air pollution around terminals. The Aviation Environment Federation has also previously backed the use of fees for this purpose.
The government has not yet set out the timetable or full terms of the review.