UK Airports are facing higher drop-off charges

The recent rise in drop-off fees at UK airports is making farewells more costly for drivers. Passengers are left to handle their own heavy luggage while facing increasing fees that can become quite steep after initial time limits.

Increasing Drop-Off Fees

London City Airport is the latest to impose an £8 drop-off fee for a stay of up to five minutes, with an additional £1 per minute charged afterward, capped at £10 for a maximum stay of 10 minutes. Similarly, Bristol Airport has raised its fee to £8.50, while Gatwick Airport now charges £10, becoming the highest in the UK.

Concerns from Business Travel Providers

James Dow, UK and Ireland general manager at the global chauffeur service Blacklane, stated, “The introduction of airport drop-off charges at London City Airport means a hat-trick of ever increasing surcharges across Heathrow, Gatwick and now City airports. This creates a worrying trend for those trying to keep our global city accessible to international business and leisure travelers.” He expressed frustration at the new fees, noting that they lack any consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Dow continued, “It’s astonishing that no improvements accompany these additional charges, with no concession for electric vehicle arrivals either. We urge airports to better understand our industry’s contribution to transportation infrastructure, passenger service expectations, and emissions reduction efforts. These fees contradict London’s status as a leading business travel destination.”

Adapting to Higher Charges

As drop-off zones’ costs rise, travelers may need to adjust by opting for wheeled luggage or limiting farewell time at the airport, making efficiency a necessity.