Government to review sharp rise in airport drop-off charges

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 20:32 · Archive

The Government will review drop-off charges at UK airports after fees rose sharply, including to £10 for ten minutes at Gatwick.

Drop-off charges at UK airports will be reviewed by the Government after rising significantly in recent months. Gatwick Airport has raised its fees to £10 for the first ten minutes, followed by £1 for each additional minute up to a maximum stay of 30 minutes, making it among the most expensive in the country.

The airport introduced drop-off charges at £5 in 2021, then raised them to £6 and subsequently £7 before reaching £10 in 2024. Analysis by the RAC found that more than three quarters of UK airports had raised or introduced drop-off fees between this summer and last year. Gatwick previously defended the rises by citing a doubling of business rates and aims to encourage public transport use and reduce congestion at the terminals.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said the aviation minister had committed to launch the review "because it is vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly". The department urged airports to exercise restraint on further rises, particularly where public transport alternatives are limited. Karen Dee, chief executive of industry body Airports UK, defended airport operators, highlighting that British airports face commercial tax rates unlike many state-subsidised European facilities.

How it is being reported

• Gatwick faces Government investigation as drop-off charges become highest in UKMinisters have confirmed they will look into forecourt fees at the Sussex transport hub, after prices were hiked to £10 for a ten-minute stay earlier this yearThe Argus · 16 Oct, 20:00
• Drop-off charges to be reviewed by Government after sharp increases at London Gatwick and other UK airportsDrop-off charges will be reviewed by the Government after a sharp rise in fees at London Gatwick and other UK airports.Chichester Observer · 15 Oct, 15:11

In this story: Gatwick Airport · Stanstead · Department for Transport · RAC · Airports UK

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