UK Airport Drop-Off Fees: Government Orders Review After Charges Soar
The UK aviation minister has committed to a review of airport drop-off fees after RAC analysis found average charges have risen by a third to £7.
By The Aviation Hub
4 min read
Airport drop-off fees at UK airports are set to face formal government scrutiny after analysis revealed the average charge has risen by a third. The UK aviation minister committed this week to launching a review, with the RAC warning the fees have become "a growing source of anger and frustration" for drivers.
What the RAC Found
Wales Online reports that RAC analysis found 16 out of 20 UK airports had raised or introduced so-called "kiss and fly" charges between last summer and this summer. The average cost across those airports has increased by a third, reaching £7.
The fees are levied on drivers who drop passengers off as close to a terminal as possible. Travellers being dropped off by taxis or private hire vehicles generally have the charges added to their fares.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: "This will be music to the ears of drivers, as we know airport drop-off charges are a growing source of anger and frustration." He added that four-in-five drivers surveyed believe the charges are a "rip-off", with just one-in-ten understanding why airports charge what they do.
What the Current Charges Look Like
The fees vary considerably from airport to airport. The Mirror reports that Gatwick and Stansted carry the highest charges, both at £10, followed by Luton at £9.
Heathrow, the country's busiest airport, charges £7. At Gatwick, the £10 fee covers 10 minutes, with an additional £1 per minute thereafter up to 20 minutes, according to Wales Online. At Stansted the £10 charge covers up to 15 minutes, rising to £28 for between 16 and 30 minutes.
Manchester Airport charges £5.50 for five minutes. Cardiff has seen one of the sharpest recent rises, climbing from £3 in April 2026 to £4.50, the Mirror notes.
Most UK airports do offer a free alternative. Passengers can be dropped in mid- or long-stay car parks connected to terminals by bus, though this adds time and inconvenience to the journey.
What the Government Has Said About Airport Drop-Off Fees
A Department for Transport spokesperson confirmed the review, telling both outlets: "The aviation minister has just this week committed to launch a review of drop-off charges at UK airports, because it is vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly. In the meantime, we hope airports exercise restraint on rises, particularly where there are limited public transport alternatives."
The scope of the review has not yet been confirmed. Wales Online reports it is understood the review could cover affordability, accessibility, how airports use revenue from the charges and the extent to which the fees encourage passengers to use public transport.
How UK Airports Compare Internationally
The RAC has been vocal in pointing out that the practice sits at "direct odds with most major airports overseas", where drivers can drop passengers off close to terminals free of charge. Rod Dennis said: "If convenient, free drop-off zones work at so many international airports, why not here in the UK?"
AirportsUK chief executive Karen Dee offered a defence of the current model, arguing that UK airports are generally privately owned and subject to commercial rates of taxation, unlike many overseas airports which receive state subsidies and tax exemptions.
Dee said: "Airports offer a range of options for those travelling to terminals, including free drop-off points, while money raised through premium services form a part of the airport business model, helping support the provision of the widest variety of flights from the airport, benefitting passengers."
She added that any review "will find that UK airports make excellent use of a variety of ways to manage traffic and air pollution, as per national and local government policies, to keep flight costs low, invest in infrastructure, and drive connectivity."
What the Review Could Mean for Passengers
The announcement is notable because airport charges have attracted relatively little regulatory attention until now. Passengers are already navigating a growing range of fees at UK airports, from baggage costs to parking. Our guide to easyJet baggage allowance in 2026 sets out what those ancillary costs look like for one of the UK's largest carriers.
The review joins a broader conversation about the cost of accessing UK aviation, and whether the burden is falling fairly on those with fewest alternatives to the private car.
For those looking to compare routes and operators as part of planning a trip, our Airline Search tool is a useful starting point.
The Bottom Line
Airport drop-off fees have risen sharply at the majority of UK airports, and the government has now taken notice. The aviation minister's commitment to a formal review marks a meaningful shift, though the scope remains to be defined and any changes to airport charging practices could take time to take effect.
The RAC's data is stark: 16 of 20 airports surveyed have raised or introduced charges, with the average fee now £7. Whether the review results in a cap, greater transparency or new guidelines, passengers and drivers alike will be watching closely.
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