More than a third of major airports in the UK have raised drop-off fees for drivers in the past year, according to new research. A survey carried out by the RAC found that three major Scottish airports now charge more for dropping off travellers as close to a terminal as possible, compared to last summer. The automotive organisation said it is “bordering on the ridiculous” for drivers to pay up to £6 for “the briefest of stops”.
It found that many are opting for driving to the airport - and suffering the impending fees - due to limited public transport options. Passengers being dropped off at airports by taxis and private hire vehicles generally have the fees added to their fares. Findings show that four out of 20 airports analysed, including Edinburgh Airport, has increased its "kiss and fly” charge by £1, meaning drivers who drop off others will now pay £5 for 10 minutes.
Other hubs in the UK that have done the same include, Gatwick (£6 for 10 minutes) Birmingham (£5 for 15 minutes) and Bristol (£6 for 10 minutes). Glasgow and Aberdeen have raised their charges by 50p, along with Leeds Bradford Airport. Elsewhere in the UK, a total of nine airports have frozen their prices this year.
That includes Manchester, which offers the worst value among all major airports by charging £5 for just a five-minute stay. Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, charges the same amount but with no time limit. Despite not raising its price this year, Stansted continues to top t.