The UK government has announced a review of airport drop-off charges, which have risen sharply over the last year, with prices at major airports having increased by a third since summer 2025. Drivers dropping passengers off in “kiss-and-fly” zones must pay these fees.
The RAC’s research
An analysis by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) found that London Gatwick and London Stansted were the most expensive, rising from £7 to £10. Edinburgh Airport rose from £6 to £8.50, while Bournemouth, Leeds Bradford and London City rose from £5 to £8. London City was the most expensive per minute, at £1.60.
On Oct. 14, the Department for Transport said it will review charges to ensure passengers are treated fairly, and travel remains accessible, adding that it hopes airports will exercise restraint on rises, particularly where public transport is limited.
The RAC’s research also found sixteen of the UK’s 20 busiest airports have increased their fees, and they noted none of the top 10 airports in the EU charge for drop-off. Other major international airports, including Shanghai, Dubai, Atlanta and Istanbul, also do not charge. Four airports have not increased their fees: Liverpool John Lennon, Belfast City, East Midlands and Southampton.
The RAC warned drivers that many airports no longer have physical barriers or machines to pay the fees, and that they must pay online instead. London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted and Luton require drivers to pay by midnight the day after using the drop-off zone, or they may face a sizeable penalty.
RAC’s reaction
In a statement, RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said:
“It’s disappointing to see so many airports charging so much for what many regard as a simple act of kindness in dropping off family and friends.
“Having a captive audience should be no excuse for these ‘farewell fees’ – especially when they’re completely at odds with how major airports around the world operate. Of course, airports need to manage the limited space they have carefully, but if free, convenient drop-off zones work at so many other international airports then why not here?”
Following the announcement of the review, Dennis stated:
“This will be music to the ears of drivers, as we know airport drop-off charges are a growing source of anger and frustration.
“We’ve brought national attention to the issue by calling out these fees over many years, so are pleased they will now be scrutinised. 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.”
Manchester Airport defended its use of drop-off charges, saying its £5.50 charge is lower than at any comparably sized UK airport and that its 5-minute option gives drivers greater flexibility. Norwich Airport also described its fees as an important source of income.
Airports typically charge for drop-off to manage forecourt congestion, and charging to stop there helps improve traffic flow while increasing revenue. Airports can set their own fees, as long as they comply with consumer laws.
Do you think airports should enforce drop-off charges? Let us know in the comments.
