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Gatwick Airport is raising its passenger drop-off fee by 43 percent, from £7 to £10, starting January 6. The increase makes Britain's second-busiest airport the most expensive in the UK for terminal drop-offs - a full £3 higher than any other major airport.
The airport attributes the decision to a more than doubling of its business rates. A Gatwick spokesperson said: «This increase in the drop-off charge is not a decision we have taken lightly; however, we are facing a number of increasing costs, including a more than doubling of our business rates in the recent Budget.»
The airport says the charge will encourage public transport use, limit car numbers, reduce terminal congestion, and fund sustainable transport initiatives. Gatwick invested £1 million in new Metrobus routes in 2025. Passengers can still use long-stay car parks with free shuttle buses, and Blue Badge holders remain exempt.
Motorist backlash expected
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, criticized the move as the largest fee increase ever seen. He said: «A more than 40% increase in the cost to drop-off is the largest we've ever seen and represents a doubling of the fee first introduced in 2021. It means the airport will have the unenviable record of being the most expensive for anyone dropping off by car by a whole £3.»
Dennis highlighted the inconvenience for drivers helping passengers with heavy luggage. He noted: «Drivers tell us the main reason they use drop-off facilities at airports is to help people with bulky or heavy luggage – something that can be incredibly impractical on public transport, especially if elderly relatives or young children are in tow.» He added that such fees are «almost unheard of» at major European airports.
Rising trend across UK airports
Gatwick first introduced drop-off fees in March 2021 at £5. The charge increased to £6 in January 2024 and to £7 in May this year. The new £10 fee doubles the original charge.
Heathrow is also raising its drop-off fee from £6 to £7, effective January 1. Other major UK airports currently charging £7 include Stansted, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, and Southampton. London City Airport, previously the only major UK airport without a drop-off fee, will introduce one later this month.
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are expected to pass the increased charge on to passengers.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
