The Department for Transport has committed to an airport drop-off charges review after fees at major UK airports rose sharply, with Gatwick and Stansted increasing from £7 to £10. The review comes as drivers face higher costs at terminals, and the government says it wants travel to remain accessible and passengers treated fairly.
Prices at major UK airports have risen by a third since the summer of 2025 on average, according to an analysis the RAC carried out in July this year. Rod Dennis, the RAC’s senior policy officer, said a review of “kiss and fly” fees would be “music to the ears to drivers”.
RAC figures at Gatwick
The RAC said the charges vary widely across airports. Edinburgh Airport raised its fee from £6 to £8.50, Bournemouth increased from £5 to £8, and Leeds Bradford charges £8. London City Airport charges £8 for five minutes, which the RAC said works out at £1.60 per minute.
Belfast International Airport charges £5 for 10 minutes in the drop-off zone, up £2 on last year. The RAC said London City Airport was the most expensive on a per-minute basis.
Department for Transport review
The Department for Transport said it had committed to a review. It said it was vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly. The government also said it hoped airports would exercise restraint on rises, particularly where there are limited public transport alternatives.
Rod Dennis said, “We know airport drop-off charges are a growing source of anger and frustration,” and added, “Four-in-five drivers we've surveyed believe they are a 'rip-off', with just one-in-10 understanding why airports charge what they do.”
Karen Dee on airport fees
Karen Dee of Airports UK said airports outside the UK are typically publicly owned and in receipt of state subsidies and tax exemptions, while UK airports are generally privately owned and subject to the full array of commercial rates of taxation. She said airports offer a range of options for those travelling to terminals, including free drop off points, and called the charges an excellent use of a variety of ways to manage traffic and air pollution.
None of the top 10 airports in the European Union charge for drop-offs, the RAC said. The review now puts the pressure on whether airport charges stay at current levels or face limits, especially at airports where drivers have fewer alternatives.
