Overview

• Eleven of the UK’s 20 busiest airports have increased ‘kiss-and-fly’ drop-off fees since last summer, with charges now reaching up to £7 at five major hubs
• Nine airports raised their terminal-side rates by £1, Leeds Bradford and Glasgow by 50p, Cardiff introduced a £3 fee and Luton reinstated a £5 charge upon reopening its drop-off area
• London City remains the only UK airport offering free terminal drop-offs, while eight of the EU’s ten busiest airports still permit cost-free passenger stops
• AirportsUK chief Karen Dee says the levies are mandated to curb congestion, noise and carbon emissions and to fund sustainable transport links
• RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis highlights drivers’ reliance on terminal-side stops for bulky luggage and warns that barrierless online payment systems expose them to unwelcome parking fines