UK’s busiest airports raise drop off fees – here’s how much they cost now

Airports across the UK have hiked up their kiss-and-fly fees, with drivers facing soaring prices ahead of the summer holidays.

Eleven out of the 20 UK airports increased their prices since last year, with Belfast City airport leading the trend with the steepest rise, according to research by the RAC.

London Gatwick and Heathrow airports are some of the most expensive places to park in the drop-off zone, also known as ‘kiss and fly’, as they now cost £7 and £6 respectively to park for just a few minutes.

Elsewhere in the UK, Leeds Bradford, Bristol and Southampton have also all increased their fees since last year, meaning people are now paying £7 for the drop-off zone.

Glasgow, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Liverpool John Lennon are the next batch of UK airports with high prices, as people collecting passengers will have to dish out £6 for a few minutes.

The RAC has described the increase as the highest on record.

Zamir Dreni, the general secretary of the App Drivers & couriers Union (ADCU) criticised Gatwick’s decision to hike up its prices in April, accusing it of being a ‘cash cow on the public.’

He told Metro that in practice, the increase might sound good to encourage the use of public transport, but it will be a ‘punishment’ for people whose only option is a taxi.

He said: ‘On paper it might sound good, but in practice, where is the public transport when I land past midnight?’

Taxis also have to pay the drop-off fees, and the costs are then reflected in the cost of a journey.

Luton and Manchester airports are the most expensive when looking at the cost-per-minute.

At both of the airports, people have to shell out £5 for a five-minute stop.

Belfast City’s drop-off charge went up from £3 last year to now costing £4 for 10 minutes.

London City is now the only top 20 UK airport where drop-offs are free.

Taxis are also required to pay the drop-off fees, which is reflected in the cost of a journey.

Rod Dennis, RAC’s senior policy officer, said: ‘The sky really does seem to be the limit when it comes to the amount drivers get charged for making the briefest of stops to let friends or loved ones out to catch a flight. The seemingly annual ritual of many airports hiking the cost of drop-offs is unfortunately continuing unabated. 

‘Airports understandably need to manage the often-limited on-site space they have. We also know some still offer short stay free parking, but the problem is it’s often well away from the terminal.

‘If a driver wants to help a passenger with mobility issues or a lot of bags get to the terminal, they’ll often end up overstaying the ‘free’ period offered and getting charged.

‘Drivers also need to be aware of the growing trend of airports dispensing with on-site payment in favour of introducing barrierless drop-offs that require payment online or by phone later.

‘This is another source of frustration for people who in many cases are just trying to help a family member or friend get to the airport. Anyone who doesn’t notice the change or simply forgets to pay will inevitably be stung with a very unwelcome parking charge notice.’

He said that research shows that the main reason for drivers dropping off is ‘to help people with bulky and often heavy luggage.’

Major European airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle, Barcelona and Rome offer free kiss-and-fly zones for passengers.

Both London Heathrow and Gatwick are planning to expand the airports, with proposals including ways to boost public transport to and from the airports.

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