TWO more UK airports have raised the price of their drop-off charges, in what is becoming an increasingly common trend for drivers.
Glasgow and Aberdeen airports have announced they are increasing their fees to £7 for up to 15 minutes, with Glasgow rising by £1 and Aberdeen up from £5.50.
AGS Airports, which operates both sites, said the increases reflect higher running costs and that the extra income will help the airports remain competitive and attract new routes.
It acknowledged the decision would not be popular, while some critics have described the wider rise in airport drop-off fees as “price gouging” and “a national disgrace”, as reported by Travel Tomorrow.
AGS has stressed that drivers have a free alternative at both airports, with up to one hour’s free parking in long-stay car parks and an on-demand shuttle service to and from the terminal.
They said: “It is important to keep in mind that there is always a free alternative where customers can park for up to one hour.
“This is located in our long-stay car park, and passengers can use a free, on-demand shuttle service to and from the terminal.
“The pick-up and drop-off area is intended for short visits of up to 15 minutes only.
“We would encourage anyone who thinks they may be longer to use the free alternative or our short-stay car park.
“Valid Blue Badge holders continue to receive 30 minutes free in our Short-Stay Car Park.”
The increases also reflect a recent pattern across the UK, with airports such as Edinburgh having raised prices previously as well as other hubs charging comparable or higher rates.
These include Leeds, Luton, Heathrow and Stansted at £7, London City charging £8, Bristol at £8.50 and Gatwick increasing to £10 for 10 minutes.
London City introduced its charge for the first time at the start of the year, while Gatwick, Heathrow and Bristol also increased their fees.
Opponents, including Clive Wratten of the Business Travel Association, have argued that outside London, public transport is often not a practical substitute, meaning higher kerbside fees can simply shift costs onto passengers, workers, businesses and the taxi trade rather than changing behaviour.
There have also been calls for clearer, more transparent pricing, as well as proposals such as a cap – for example, £3 per drop-off – as well as a single daily charge to avoid people being hit by charges twice.
UK pricing has also been compared to several large European airports, including the Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt airports, where short drop-offs can be free for limited periods.