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Airport drop-off charges to be reviewed by government after fees rise by a third since last summer

Four in five drivers consider airport drop-off fees a rip-off, with UK charges rising by an average of a third since summer 2025 — unlike any top-ten EU airport.
Four in five drivers consider airport drop-off fees a rip-off, with UK charges rising by an average of a third since summer 2025 — unlike any top-ten EU airport.

The Department for Transport has announced a review of airport drop-off charges following a roughly 33% rise in fees across major UK airports since summer 2024, including increases at Gatwick and Stansted from £7 to £10. Around four in five drivers consider the charges exploitative, and ministers say they are committed to keeping travel affordable and treating passengers fairly. Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye defended the pricing on LBC, saying the airport has an "objective to make fewer people travel by car".

Gatwick and Stansted saw the sharpest hikes, while London City Airport levies £8 for just five minutes — equivalent to £1.60 per minute.

None of the top ten EU airports are reported to charge for drop-offs; UK airports are privately owned and receive no state subsidies.

The government is calling on airports to 'exercise restraint on rises, particularly where there are limited public transport alternatives'.

MoreDaily MailAirport drop-off fees face Government review amid growing furyThe IndependentAirport fee 'rip-offs' to be reviewed after ministers raise price changesLBC'We have an objective to make fewer people come by car', says Heathrow boss as airport charges to be reviewed following price jumpThe TelegraphAirport drop-off charges to be reviewed after Labour ‘about-turn’ - The TelegraphИФЗ РАНWhy Uk Airport Drop Off Charges Are Out Of Control And FinalEl-BaladDepartment for Transport orders Airport Drop-off Charges Review after £10 rises
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