The majority of Britain’s airports have increased their drop-off fees for drivers ahead of summer’s travel peak. In contrast, international airports around the world have maintained their fees and do not plan to change them.
The Modified Fees
Airports across the UK have recently increased their drop-off fees significantly. Research has found that over three-quarters of the region’s airports have substantially raised their prices compared with 2025 rates.
Although the drop-off fees, known as “kiss and fly” charges, were not established this summer, they did not appear suddenly. The Independent UK reported that 16 out of 20 airports all over the region have been increasing their prices since last summer. The 2025 fees were lower than the current ones, but higher than the previous year.
Rod Dennis, RAC’s senior policy officer, addressed the skyrocketing of the fees:
“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”.
A spokesperson for AirportsUK supported the new prices, explaining that they are an intrinsic part of the airports’ business model.
The Airports
Within the plethora of airports that have adopted the changes, only four in the whole of the UK haven’t: Belfast City, Liverpool John Lennon, Southampton and East Midlands.
London City Airport used to offer free drop-off outside the terminal; however, they now charge £8 for five minutes, making it Britain’s most expensive fee.
The current fees for 15 minutes are:
- Manchester: £5.50
- London City Airport, Bournemouth, Leeds Bradford: £8
- Bristol and Edinburgh: £8.50
- Gatwick Airport and Stansted: £10
- Aberdeen, Birmingham, Glasgow, Heathrow, Luton and Southampton: £7
- Liverpool John Lennon and Newcastle: £6
- Belfast International and East Midlands: £5
- Cardiff: £4.50
- Belfast City: £4
What do you think of the hiking fees? Do you think airports worldwide will follow the UK’s new policy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
