A widely shared image published by PHTM Newspaper on Facebook has highlighted the growing cost of airport drop-off charges across the UK, comparing fees at more than 30 airports for stays ranging from five minutes up to 30 minutes.
The table shows significant variation between airports, with some charging a flat fee regardless of time, while others escalate rapidly after 10–15 minutes. Major hubs such as London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Liverpool appear among the most expensive for longer stays, with charges reaching £25–£30 for 30 minutes at certain locations, according to the image shared.
At the other end of the scale, a small number of regional airports — including City of Derry, Humberside, Sumburgh and Guernsey — still offer free drop-off periods, while others such as Cornwall Newquay provide free short stays before introducing modest fees.
The image also highlights how some airports no longer allow longer forecourt stops at all, instead directing drivers toward short-stay car parks once the initial drop-off window expires. This has become increasingly common at larger airports, where congestion, emissions policies and commercial revenue models all play a role.
DM Commentary
This table neatly sums up what drivers and passengers already feel every day — airport drop-off charges are becoming another unavoidable travel tax.
For taxi and private-hire drivers, these fees rarely come out of thin air. In most cases, they are passed directly on to the paying customer, increasing the overall cost of airport journeys and often leading to frustration on both sides of the car door. Passengers are frequently surprised when they see an extra £5–£10 added for what might be a two-minute stop.
From a traffic-management point of view, airports argue that charges reduce congestion. But when fees climb to £25–£30 for short overstays, it’s hard not to see revenue generation playing a major role. For drivers who work airports daily — especially during delays, roadworks or terminal congestion — these charges can quickly stack up.
As more airports review their pricing, transparency like this is important. Tables such as the one shared by PHTM Newspaper help drivers and passengers understand exactly what they’re being charged — and where.
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