Stories

Wed, 22 Jul 2026

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 Airport drop-off fees up by a third - here are the priciest

The cost of parking closest to the terminal just for a few minutes has hit £10 at two of the UK's busiest airports.

* UK airport drop-off fees have risen by a third on average since last summer, with 16 out of 20 busiest airports increasing their charges
* London City Airport has the highest per-minute fee at £1.60
* None of the top 10 EU airports charge for drop-offs
* UK drivers are warned to be aware of "park now, pay later" zones that can result in parking fines if fees aren't paid online or by phone within a certain time
* Gatwick and Stansted airports have introduced drop-off charges to discourage "kiss and fly" trips and encourage use of public transport
* London Gatwick claims its drop-off fee is helping passengers choose alternative modes of transport, with 120 train stations linked across the airport's catchment area
* Airports UK says fees are necessary for congestion management and climate change objectives