MPs call for review of airport drop-off charges
MPs have called for a review as most UK airports increase drop-off charges, with some charging up to 10 pounds.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
MPs have called for an urgent review of airport drop-off charges after new analysis by the RAC showed that fees at most of the UK's busiest airports have risen sharply. The research found that drop-off charges have increased by a third on average since last summer, with some airports now charging up to £10 for a short stop outside the terminal.
Gatwick and Stansted are the most expensive, charging £10 for a 10-minute or 15-minute drop-off respectively. London City Airport, which did not charge last year, now charges £8 for just five minutes. Bristol and Edinburgh charge £8.50, up from £7 in 2025. Heathrow has increased its fee from £6 to £7. The RAC said that 16 out of the 20 major airports surveyed had raised or introduced charges in the last 12 months.
The fees, sometimes called 'kiss and fly' charges, were first introduced by Birmingham Airport in 2007 at £1. They have since become widespread. Airports argue that the charges help manage congestion, reduce pollution, and support their business models. Industry body Airports UK said that European airports operate on a different model, often receiving state subsidies, whereas UK airports are mostly privately owned and have public transport targets to meet.
However, campaigners and MPs argue that the charges are unfair, especially when compared with airports in Europe, where none of the ten busiest airports charge for drop-offs. The Aviation Environment Federation said the money raised is not being reinvested into transport links. The Department for Transport said airports are private businesses and can set their own charges, but expects them to be fair and restrained. Most airports offer free drop-off zones in long-stay car parks with shuttle buses, but these can be a long walk from the terminal.
Drivers and taxi operators have complained about the rising costs. Some taxi drivers said they have to pay the fee multiple times a day and pass the cost on to customers, effectively becoming 'tax collectors' for the airport. Fines for forgetting to pay can reach £100. The RAC said the charges keep increasing every year, with some airports seeing more than 40% rises this summer. MPs are now calling for a review of the system.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 5 | BBC One | ITV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick and Stansted increased drop-off charges to £10, up from £7. | |||
| RAC reported that 16 of the 20 busiest UK airports raised drop-off charges. | |||
| London City Airport introduced a £8 drop-off charge for five minutes. | · | ||
| RAC analysis found that airport drop-off fees increased by a third on average since last summer. | · | ||
| London City Airport is the most expensive per minute, charging the equivalent of £1.60 a minute. | · | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The BBC report focused on the historical context of drop-off charges, comparing UK fees to European airports and highlighting the lack of charges at major EU hubs. It included a business correspondent's analysis and a quote from a campaigner questioning whether the fees are justified. The tone was factual and explanatory, with a slight emphasis on the contrast with Europe.
- “Go back 20 years and bidding farewell to a loved one outside departures was pretty much free anywhere in the country.”
- “But look to Europe and none of the top 10 airports there have a drop-off charge.”
- “How much more the drivers need to take and are those rates really justified for some that might literally take you moments?”
ITV's report was more consumer-focused, with a reporter on location at Heathrow speaking to drivers about the impact. It highlighted the 'worst offenders' and included a taxi driver's complaint about losing money. The tone was sympathetic to drivers and critical of the charges, framing them as unfair compared to Europe. It also noted the Department for Transport's stance that airports are private businesses.
- “In weeks, one week, three, four times becoming. So I'm losing the money.”
- “Every year that goes up, it started from £5, £6, £7, and in some airports it's £10. It's just, it's too much.”
- “The RAC is saying it's simply unfair to charge people this, especially when European airports don't charge at all.”
Channel 5's report was more visual and dramatic, with a reporter driving into Heathrow to demonstrate the fees. It emphasised the 'cash cow' nature of the charges and the high cost per minute at London City. The tone was critical and consumer-alert, highlighting fines and the burden on taxi drivers. It also noted that none of the top 10 EU airports charge.
- “Airport drop-off fees are a real cash cow for Britain's airports I don't know of any other country where they are collected with such excitement.”
- “You'd be chucking your bags out there, wouldn't you?”
- “I effectively become a tax collector further for the airport”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.