UK Airport Drop-Off Fees Rise
25th July 2026
The RAC says 16 of the 20 busiest airports have raised prices in the last year. Fees have risen by a third on average since last summer. Gatwick topped the…
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The RAC says 16 of the 20 busiest airports have raised prices in the last year.
Fees have risen by a third on average since last summer.
Gatwick topped the list by charging a “farewell fee” of £10 for 10 minutes, after lifting it by £3 from last year.
Stansted also charges £10 but drivers are allowed 15 minutes at its “express set down” outside departures.
| Airport | Drop-off charge | Time allowed |
| Gatwick | £10 | 10 minutes |
| Stansted | £10 | 15 minutes |
| Bristol | £7 | 10 minutes |
| Edinburgh | £7 | 10 minutes |
| Glasgow | £6 | 10 minutes |
| Heathrow | £6 | Unlimited (flat charge) |
| London City | £8 | 5 minutes |
| Luton | £5 | 10 minutes |
| Manchester | £6 | 5 minutes |
| Birmingham | £6 | 15 minutes |
| Belfast International | £5 | 10 minutes |
| Newcastle | £5 | 10 minutes |
| East Midlands | £5 | 15 minutes |
| Leeds Bradford | £7 | 10 minutes |
| Liverpool John Lennon | £5 | 10 minutes |
| Aberdeen | £4 | 10 minutes |
| Southampton | £6 | 20 minutes |
| Bournemouth | £5 | 30 minutes |
| Cardiff | £3 | 10 minutes |
| Belfast City | £3 | 10 minutes |
Airports UK, the trade body, said that free drop-offs were available and fees were part of airports’ business models and climate change objectives.
“It is disappointing to see so many airports charging so much for what many regard as a simple act of kindness in dropping off family and friends,” said RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis.
Gatwick airport. Image © PlanetSKI
