AIRPORTS raked in nearly £1billion in just one year from non-runway activities — including soaring drop-off charges.

Bosses stand accused of treating hard-pressed families as “cash cows”.

Sign at Gatwick Airport indicating that drop-off charges apply.Airports raked in nearly £1billion in just one year from non-runway activities — including soaring drop-off charges Credit: Getty Travelers walking through the Manchester Airport Departures lounge.Manchester Airports Group, owner of Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands, recorded £453.3million in parking turnover in the year to April Credit: Getty

, owner of , and , recorded £453.3million in parking turnover in the year to April.

That compares with £516.1million from aviation.

Motorists dropping off at terminals pay £5.50 for five minutes or £6.50 for ten.

Staying up to 30 minutes costs £25.

At Stansted, drop-off drivers pay £10 for 15 minutes.

demands £5 for 15 minutes.

Consumer champion Martyn James said: “Airport car parks have long been cash cows. In some cases these extortionate fees are more expensive than package holidays.”

had car park revenues of £197million in 2025, up from £185million.

Fares from the rail line, where a walk-on one-way fare is £26, added £93million.

Drivers are charged £7 at a drop-off zone, even if they stay a few minutes.

Terminal parking is £8 for up to 29 minutes.

A stay of 12-24 hours can be £98.

got £148.1million from parking, charging £10 for ten minutes at drop-off.

in 2025 got £96.8million, just under its £104.6million turnover from aircraft streams.

made £75.6million in parking revenues, more than its £69.3million airline revenue.

Mr James added: “Until airport shuttles and trains are more reliable, families will be forced to fork out — or pushed to dodgy off-site parking firms.”