More than three-quarters of airports in the United Kingdom have raised or introduced fees for drivers dropping off passengers at terminals over the past year, according to data from the RAC. Out of 20 surveyed airports, 16 have increased their charges for so-called “kiss and fly” zones since summer 2025, with the average fee rising by approximately 33 percent.

Gatwick and Stansted airports currently impose the highest drop-off charges, with Gatwick’s fee set at £10 for up to ten minutes and Stansted charging £10 for a 15-minute period. Bristol and Edinburgh follow, each applying an £8.50 fee for a ten-minute drop-off interval. These fees apply to drivers who stop briefly at the terminal to drop off passengers.

In contrast, major airports across the European Union do not impose any drop-off fees. The ten busiest airports in the EU allow drivers to drop off passengers without charge. Similarly, other major international hubs, including Dubai, Shanghai, and Istanbul, do not require fees for terminal drop-offs.

The increase in drop-off charges by UK airports reflects a trend toward managing congestion and generating additional revenue from passenger services, though the higher costs have raised concerns among travelers and motorists who rely on short-term access to airport terminals.