Dropping someone off at the terminal now costs £10 for just 10 minutes at Gatwick, the highest flat rate among Britain’s busiest airports, as a new analysis reveals that so-called “farewell fees” have jumped by a third in a year.
The RAC motoring group examined charges at the 20 busiest UK airports and found that 16 had raised prices since last summer, with the average cost of pulling up in “kiss-and-fly” zones rising by £1.70 to £7. At Stansted, drivers also pay £10 but are allowed 15 minutes in the “express set down” area outside departures.
“Drop-off fees at UK airports rise by a third; Gatwick and Stansted now charge £10.”
London City Airport, which introduced charges only this year, is the most expensive per minute: £8 for five minutes works out at £1.60 per minute. Birmingham is the cheapest at £7 for 15 minutes – 47p per minute.
The increases come as the RAC’s senior policy officer, Rod Dennis, condemned the trend. “Having a captive audience should be no excuse for these ‘farewell fees’ – especially when they’re completely at odds with how major airports around the world operate,” he said. He warned drivers to be wary of barrierless “park now, pay later” zones, where failing to pay online or by phone within a certain period can trigger a parking charge notice.
In contrast, none of the top 10 busiest airports in the European Union charge for drop-offs, according to RAC research.
Airports UK, the trade body, defended the charges, saying free drop-off options are available and that fees form part of airports’ business models and climate change objectives. The Aviation Environment Federation (AEF) campaign group also backed the fees. “Any parking charges or drop-off charges could be reinvested by laying on local bus and rail services instead of lining the pockets of airport shareholders,” said Celeste Hicks, policy manager at AEF. She argued that incentives are needed to reduce congestion and air pollution, which can cause childhood illnesses such as asthma.
The push to shift passengers from cars to public transport is shaping major expansion plans. When Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander approved Gatwick’s second runway, one condition was that 54% of passengers must use public transport. Heathrow, which is pursuing a third runway, may have to impose similar measures to discourage driving.