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UK Airport Drop-Off Charges Reach Record High This Summer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the summer travel season kicks into high gear, UK drivers are facing the highest charges on record for dropping off friends and family at airports. According to new analysis from the RAC, more than half of the 11 airports that have increased their prices since last year have seen their charges rise by as much as a third. The steepest rise was seen at Belfast City Airport, where charges went up by 33%, from £3 to £4 for 10 minutes, followed closely by Newcastle Airport, where charges rose by 25% to £5 for 10 minutes.

Key Takeaways:

  • 11 UK airports have increased their drop-off prices since last year, with the steepest rise seen at Belfast City Airport (33% increase to £4 for 10 minutes).
  • Newcastle Airport saw a 25% increase in drop-off charges to £5 for 10 minutes.
  • London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Liverpool all increased their drop-off charges by £1 (20% increase) to £6 for between 10 and 15 minutes.
  • The remaining five airports that put their prices up are London Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, Southampton, and Glasgow, which joined Stansted in charging the top rate of £7 for dropping off.
  • London Luton and Manchester airports have the highest cost-per-minute drop-off rates, at £5 for just five minutes.
  • Only London City Airport still offers free drop-off close to the terminal, but drivers must be careful not to wait in their vehicles or leave them unattended, or face a penalty.

Statistics:

  • 64% of the 11 airports that have increased their prices since last year have seen charges rise by more than 20%.
  • The average increase in drop-off charges is 27%.
  • The highest cost-per-minute drop-off rate is £6 for just five minutes, seen at London Luton and Manchester airports.
  • The cost of dropping off passengers at UK airports ranges from £3 (Cardiff Airport) to £7 (London Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, Southampton, and Stansted airports).
  • London City Airport remains the only top 20 UK airport that still offers free drop-off close to the terminal.

Sources:

  • RAC analysis
  • Belfast City Airport
  • Newcastle Airport
  • London Heathrow Airport
  • Edinburgh Airport
  • Birmingham Airport
  • Liverpool Airport
  • London Gatwick Airport
  • Bristol Airport
  • Leeds Bradford Airport
  • Southampton Airport
  • Glasgow Airport
  • London Luton Airport
  • Manchester Airport
  • London City Airport
  • Cardiff Airport
  • Aberdeen Airport
  • East Midlands Airport
  • Bournemouth Airport
  • Airports UK

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