UK government commits to reviewing airport drop-off charges after prices surged by roughly a third since summer 2025, with major airports now charging between £5 and £10 for short-term passenger delivery.
The Department for Transport confirmed the review following analysis by the RAC, which found the sharpest increases at Gatwick and Stansted, where fees rose from £7 to £10. Edinburgh climbed from £6 to £8.50. Bournemouth, Leeds Bradford and London City now charge £8, up from £5. Belfast International increased from £3 to £5 for 10 minutes.
London City Airport introduced drop-off charges only in 2026 but charges the highest rate per minute at £1.60, based on an £8 fee for five minutes.
The RAC surveyed drivers and found four in five consider the charges a "rip-off", with only one in ten understanding the rationale. Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, called a government review "music to the ears to drivers". The RAC also noted that none of the top 10 EU airports charge for drop-offs.
The Department for Transport said it was "vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly", adding it hoped airports would "exercise restraint on rises, particularly where there are limited public transport alternatives".
Airport operators defend the charges as necessary to their business model. Karen Dee, chief executive of Airports UK, noted that UK airports are privately owned and subject to commercial taxation, unlike many European counterparts which receive state subsidies. She said airports offer "free drop off points" and use fees to "manage traffic and air pollution". The Aviation Environment Federation has previously supported drop-off charges as a way to reduce congestion and emissions.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently announced scrapping charges for parents sitting with children on flights as part of "everyday fixes" to ease cost of living pressures.