UK Airports Raise Kiss‑and‑Fly Fees, While EU Terminals Offer Free Drop‑Offs
Recent data from the RAC reveals that more than half of Britain’s 20 busiest airports have now introduced a charge for passengers who drop off travellers near terminal entrances. The fee, which covers a brief period of stopping time, now reaches £7 (€8.20) in a handful of hubs.
Airports with the Highest Kiss‑and‑Fly Rate
- Gatwick
- Bristol
- Leeds Bradford
- Southampton
- Stansted
In stark contrast, nine out of ten major EU airports surveyed, including Frankfurt and Paris Charles de Gaulle, do not impose any fee for drop‑off zones. The only European terminal that charges a modest fee is Schiphol in the Netherlands, where the charge is €2.50 (£2.17).
RAC Viewpoint
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, commented:
“The rise in kiss‑and‑fly charges illustrates a growing trend among UK airports to monetize a service traditionally offered for free. Passengers now face an added cost of £7 for a few minutes of dropping off, whereas EU counterparts continue to provide complimentary drop‑off zones.”
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Both airports lead the pack, charging £5 (≈ €5.85) for a five‑minute slot. That translates to a per‑minute rate that rivals the most expensive UK locations.
Airports UK justifies the hike
- Congestion control – The fees help curb peak traffic.
- Emission reduction – The charges support greener airport operations.
- Service funding – The revenue underpins essential airport infrastructure.
London City Airport stands out
Only London City Airport charged no “kiss‑and‑fly” fee in the report.
Cardiff introduces the first airport fees
Cardiff considered fees for the first time this year, signalling a new approach to its vehicle‑door stops.
Blue Badge exemptions remain
Blue Badge holders retain their free status at major hubs: Gatwick, Southampton, and Belfast.
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