UK Airport Drop-Off Fees Rise, EU Remains Free

Over half of the UK's busiest airports have raised or introduced 'kiss and fly' drop-off fees, with charges reaching up to £7 for less than ten minutes at airports such as Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, Southampton, and Stansted. The increases have drawn criticism from motoring groups and passengers, especially as eight of the ten busiest EU airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Madrid, continue to offer free drop-offs near terminals. UK airports defend the fees as necessary for controlling congestion, noise, and emissions, and note that free alternatives are usually available but often inconvenient for those with luggage or mobility issues. Critics argue that the rising charges are a 'cash grab' and warn of negative impacts on the UK's tourism competitiveness compared to Europe. The RAC points out that, at some airports, the per-minute drop-off cost now surpasses the price of flights to major destinations. This situation highlights the growing gap between UK and EU airport policies, with UK travelers facing increasing costs and inconvenience.