UK airports face a government review of drop-off charges after prices increased by an average of a third since summer 2025, according to analysis by the RAC motoring organisation.
Gatwick and Stansted airports now charge £10 for drop-offs, up from £7. Edinburgh Airport raised its fee from £6 to £8.50. Bournemouth, Leeds Bradford and London City all charge £8, while Belfast International increased its rate to £5 for 10 minutes, up £2 from the previous year. London City Airport, which introduced charges only in 2026, charges £8 for five minutes, equivalent to £1.60 per minute.
The Department for Transport confirmed it would review the charges, stating it was "vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly". The department said it hoped airports would "exercise restraint on rises, particularly where there are limited public transport alternatives".
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, said the review would be "music to the ears to drivers". The RAC's survey found that four in five drivers consider drop-off charges a "rip-off", with just one in 10 understanding why airports charge for the service.
The RAC noted that none of the top 10 airports in the European Union charge for drop-offs. The organisation argues that international airports should not charge passengers for this service.
Airport operators defend the fees as necessary to their business model. Karen Dee, chief executive of Airports UK, noted that UK airports are generally privately owned and subject to full commercial taxation, whereas European airports are typically publicly owned and receive state subsidies and tax exemptions. Dee said airports offer "free drop off points" and that they use charges "to manage traffic and air pollution".
The Aviation Environment Federation has previously supported the fees, arguing they reduce congestion and air pollution around terminals.
Earlier this month, the government announced it would scrap extra charges for parents sitting with their children on flights, effective for next summer's holidays. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the move as part of "everyday fixes" to ease cost of living pressures on households.