TWO more UK airports have raised the price of their drop-off charges, in what is becoming an increasingly common trend for drivers.
and airports have announced they are increasing their fees to £7 for up to 15 minutes, with Glasgow rising by £1 and Aberdeen up from £5.50.
Glasgow and Aberdeen airports are increasing terminal drop-off fees to £7 for up to 15 minutes, citing rising costs and pointing drivers towards free long-stay alternativesCredit: Getty
Airport ‘kiss-and-fly’ charges continue to climb across the UK, with several major hubs now charging £7 or more for short staysCredit: Getty
AGS Airports, which operates both sites, said the increases reflect higher running costs and that the extra income will help the airports remain competitive and attract new routes.
It acknowledged the decision would not be popular, while some critics have described the wider rise in airport drop-off fees as “price gouging” and “a national disgrace”, as reported by Travel Tomorrow .
AGS has stressed that drivers have a free alternative at both airports, with up to one hour’s free parking in long-stay car parks and an on-demand shuttle service to and from the terminal.
They said: “It is important to keep in mind that there is always a free alternative where customers can park for up to one hour.
“This is located in our long-stay car park, and passengers can use a free, on-demand shuttle service to and from the terminal.
“The pick-up and drop-off area is intended for short visits of up to 15 minutes only.
“We would encourage anyone who thinks they may be longer to use the free alternative or our short-stay car park.
“Valid Blue Badge holders continue to receive 30 minutes free in our Short-Stay Car Park.”
The increases also reflect a recent pattern across the UK, with airports such as having raised prices previously as well as other hubs charging comparable or higher rates.
These include , , Heathrow and Stansted at £7, London City charging £8, at £8.50 and Gatwick increasing to £10 for 10 minutes.
, while Gatwick, Heathrow and Bristol also increased their fees.
Opponents, including Clive Wratten of the Business Travel Association, have argued that outside London, is often not a practical substitute, meaning higher kerbside fees can simply shift costs onto passengers, workers, businesses and the taxi trade rather than changing behaviour.
There have also been calls for clearer, more transparent pricing, as well as proposals such as a cap – for example, £3 per drop-off – as well as a single daily charge to avoid people being hit by charges twice.
UK pricing has also been compared to several large European airports, including the Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt airports, where short drop-offs can be free for limited periods.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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