Drop-off fees rise at 16 of the UK's busiest airports, RAC Analysis Reveals

Crystal Travel | Travel News | 24 July 2026

Motorists are paying significantly more to drop passengers at terminal forecourts, with new research showing average charges have climbed by £1.70 to £7 over the past year.

Sixteen major airports increase drop-off charges

New analysis from the RAC shows that 16 of the UK's 20 busiest airports have increased the price of using their closest terminal drop-off zones over the past year. The average charge has risen by £1.70 to £7, meaning motorists are now paying considerably more for what is often only a few minutes of access to the terminal forecourt.

The research covers the UK's 20 busiest airports, based on passenger numbers reported to the Civil Aviation Authority for 2025. Known as "kiss-and-fly" zones, these areas are designed for passengers to unload luggage and enter the terminal quickly, with waiting, collecting arriving passengers, or leaving vehicles unattended generally prohibited.

Gatwick and Stansted Charge the Highest Fees

London Gatwick and London Stansted now have the highest initial drop-off charges in the UK, both at £10. At Gatwick, the fee covers the first 10 minutes, with an additional £1 for every extra minute, up to a maximum stay of 30 minutes and a daily cap of £30. Gatwick's Long Stay car park offers a free alternative for up to two hours, linked to the terminals by shuttle bus.

Stansted charges £10 for up to 15 minutes in its Express Set Down area, rising to £28 for longer stays. A free option remains available via the Mid Stay car park, also connected to the terminal by shuttle bus.

Edinburgh and Bristol follow at £8.50 for ten minutes, while Leeds Bradford, London City and Bournemouth each charge £8, though permitted stopping times differ.

London City Airport Has the UK’s Highest Drop-Off Cost Per Minute

<h2><span style="font-size:11pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Lexend,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:700"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">London City becomes most expensive per minute</span></span></span></span></span></span></h2>

London City becomes most expensive per minute

London City Airport has introduced a drop-off charge, ending free terminal access across all 20 of the UK's busiest airports. Its £8 fee covers just five minutes, making it the most expensive drop-off area in the country per minute, at £1.60.

Manchester follows at £5.50 for five minutes, equivalent to £1.10 per minute, while Gatwick costs £1 per minute during its initial ten-minute window. Only Liverpool John Lennon, East Midlands, Belfast City and Southampton have kept their closest terminal drop-off charges unchanged since last summer.

Drivers warned over barrierless payment systems

Motorists are being urged to check payment rules carefully. Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted and Luton all operate barrierless zones where number plates are recorded automatically. Drivers typically must pay online or by telephone before midnight the day after their visit. Those who forget may receive a parking charge notice of up to £100, even when the original drop-off fee was only a few pounds.

Free alternatives require more time

Many airports continue to offer free or cheaper drop-off facilities in long-stay, mid-stay or remote car parks, though passengers may need to walk further or use a shuttle bus, making extra journey time essential. Travellers should check their airport's official drop-off information in advance, confirm the correct terminal, and have payment details ready. Anyone needing extra time to unload children's equipment, mobility aids or several bags may find a short-stay car park more practical than a tightly timed forecourt zone.

With charges and payment arrangements varying considerably between airports, planning the final leg of the journey is becoming just as important as booking the flight itself. Holidaymakers wanting guidance on airport transfers can speak to Crystal Travel's travel agents as part of their wider holiday planning.