‘Depressing’: Half of UK’s busiest airports raise drop-off fees

WorldEnvironment
17 Jul 2025 • 4:21 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • UK airports are significantly increasing or introducing new drop-off fees, with over half of 20 surveyed airports raising charges in the past year.
  • This trend contrasts sharply with major European Union airports, where eight of the 10 busiest still offer free passenger drop-off facilities.
  • Specific fee increases include £1 at nine airports including Heathrow and Gatwick, 50p at Leeds Bradford and Glasgow, and new charges of £3 at Cardiff and £5 at Luton.
  • The RAC has criticised the rising charges, calling them “depressing” and highlighting the inconvenience for passengers with bulky luggage.
  • AirportsUK defends the fees, saying they help manage congestion and reduce environmental impact.

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