UK airport drop-off charges have risen by an average of a third since summer 2025, prompting the government to announce a review of the fees. The Department for Transport said it had committed to the review to "ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly."
Gatwick and Stansted airports charge the most, with fees rising from £7 to £10. Edinburgh increased charges from £6 to £8.50. Bournemouth, Leeds Bradford, and London City now all charge £8, up from £5 and £7 respectively. Belfast International raised its fee from £3 to £5 for a 10-minute drop-off window.
London City Airport, which introduced charges only in 2026, carries the highest per-minute cost at £1.60 for five minutes.
The RAC, which analyzed pricing in July, found that four in five drivers surveyed believe drop-off charges are a "rip-off." Senior policy officer Rod Dennis said the government review would be "music to the ears to drivers," adding that just one in ten understand why airports charge for the service.
The RAC noted that no top 10 European Union airport charges for drop-offs, arguing that UK international airports should eliminate the fees entirely. However, the industry defended the charges as necessary to its business model.
Karen Dee, chief executive of Airports UK, said UK airports are typically privately owned and subject to full commercial tax rates, unlike European counterparts that are often publicly owned and receive state subsidies. She stated airports offer "a range of options" including free drop-off points and use charges to manage traffic and air pollution.
The Aviation Environment Federation has previously supported the fees, saying they reduce congestion and emissions around terminals.
The announcement came as the government separately scrapped extra charges for parents sitting with children on flights, part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham's stated effort to ease cost-of-living pressures on households ahead of next year's summer holidays.