The RAC, which conducted the analysis in July this year, has campaigned against increases in drop-off charges. It said a review of “kiss and fly” fees would be “music to the ears to drivers”.
“We know airport drop-off charges are a growing source of anger and frustration,” said Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC.
“Four-in-five drivers we’ve surveyed believe they are a ‘rip-off’, with just one-in-10 understanding why airports charge what they do.”
The RAC’s research found London City Airport, which only introduced charges in 2026, was the most expensive on a per-minute basis.
Its £8 charge for five minutes works out at £1.60 per minute. Belfast International Airport now charges £5 for 10 minutes in the drop-off zone, up £2 on last year.
None of the top 10 airports in the European Union charge for drop-offs, according to the RAC.
It argues that international airports should not charge for dropping off passengers, however, the industry said the charges were a neccesary part of the business model of airports.
