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UK airport drop-off fees rise as costs climb for short terminal visits
RAC analysis found 16 of the 20 busiest UK airports increased drop-off charges since last year, with Gatwick charging £10 for 10 minutes.
Drop-off fees at the 20 busiest airports in the UK have risen by an average of one third since last summer, according to new analysis cited by BBC Business. The RAC reviewed the cost of pulling up at the closest point to terminals and found 16 airports increased fees since last year.
RAC data showed London Gatwick’s is the highest so called farewell fee, charging £10 for 10 minutes outside either terminal. At Stansted, £10 buys 15 minutes at “Express Set Down” outside departures.
London City Airport, which began charging this year, was identified as the most expensive on a per minute basis, with an £8 charge for five minutes, or £1.60 per minute. The analysis also said none of the top 10 airports in the EU charge for drop-offs.
BBC Business added that RAC warned drivers to be careful around barrierless “park now, pay later” drop-off zones, which can trigger parking charge notices if payment is not made online or by phone within a set window. Airports UK said where drop-off fees are charged, they are used to manage congestion and address local traffic, air pollution, and climate change objectives, while Gatwick said its pricing is meant to reduce “kiss and fly” trips and steer passengers toward trains and buses.