£10 for 10 minutes: Cost of airport drop-offs soars 33% since summer 2025
Thu, 30 Jul 2026
Prices charged by airports for quick drop-offs have jumped up at no fewer than 16 of the UK's 20 busiest airports, with the average cost up by a third since summer 2025.
That's according to new research carried out by the RAC. The motoring organisation looked at the price of dropping off passengers at so-called Kiss and Fly zones at UK airport terminals.
It discovered that prices are up by an average of £1.70 since last year, with a drop-off now costing £7. That figure is at odds with the 10 busiest airports in the EU and major hubs including Atlanta, Istanbul and Shanghai, which don't charge for a drop-off.
London airports cost most
If you're popping passengers to one of the airports serving London, prices are at their highest. Top of the list is Gatwick, which charges £10 for 10 minutes, while Stansted is just behind, asking for the same amount but giving you 15 minutes to say goodbye. Both of these airports have hiked prices by £3 since 2025.
On a per minute basis, London City is top of the list, charging £8 for five minutes, or £1.60 a minute. This is particularly disappointing as drop-offs were free in 2025.
Heathrow and Luton airports are also in the top 10, costing £7 for 10 minutes, with prices rising £1 for Heathrow and £2 for Luton compared with 12 months ago.
Elsewhere in the UK, Edinburgh is the third priciest airport for drop-offs, costing £8.50 for 10 minutes, up £2.50 on 2025's prices, while Glasgow charges £7 for 15 minutes.
Belfast International costs £5 for 10 minutes, up £2 on 2025, while Belfast City has remained unchagnged at £4. A trip to Cardiff Wales Airport to drop people off now £4.50, up from £3 last year.
Pay up or get penalised
The RAC is also warning motorists not to get caught out by forgetting to pay drop-off charges, as many airports no longer have entry or exit barriers.
Barrier-free carparks in airports including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted and Luton make drivers pay online or by phone before midnight the day after using a drop-off zone. Forget and it could cost you up to £100.
"It’s disappointing to see so many airports charging so much for what many regard as a simple act of kindness in dropping off family and friends," says RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis.
"Having a captive audience should be no excuse for these ‘farewell fees’ – especially when they’re completely at odds with how major airports around the world operate.
"Of course, airports need to manage the limited space they have carefully, but if free, convenient drop-off zones work at so many other international airports then why not here?"
