Drop-off costs at UK’s key airports rise by a third compared to summer 2025 – RAC

The costs motorists face for dropping off passengers at some of the UK’s busiest airports have risen by a third since last summer, new research has shown.

New data from breakdown assistance provider the RAC has found that drop-off costs close to airport terminals – often referred to as ‘kiss-and-fly’ zones – have risen by an average of £1.70 compared to this time last year.

In both London Gatwick and London Stansted airports, drivers face the highest fees of any airport, with £10 for 10 minutes and 15 minutes respectively.

This was followed by Edinburgh and Bristol, which both charge £8.50 for 10 minutes, and Leeds, London City and Bournemouth which each charge £8, though for 10, five and 30 minutes respectively.

When it comes to per-minute costs, London City comes out as the most expensive with an equivalent price of £1.60 per minute. Manchester Airport, meanwhile, charges an equivalent of £1.10 a minute

In contrast, none of the top 10 airports in the EU charge for drop-offs, while airports such as Atlanta, Dubai and Shanghai allow drivers to drop off passengers for free, too.

Rod Dennis, RAC senior policy officer, said: “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.

“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?