UK airport drop-off charges have increased sharply for summer 2026, with 16 of the country’s 20 busiest airports raising their fees. RAC research published on July 23 found that the average cost rose by £1.70 to £7, around one-third higher than last summer.
Gatwick and Stansted have the highest headline charge at ÂŁ10. London City is the most expensive per minute, costing ÂŁ8 for five minutes.
UK airport drop-off fees for 2026
The initial charges recorded in the RAC’s July 2026 analysis are:
- ÂŁ10: Gatwick and Stansted
- ÂŁ8.50: Bristol and Edinburgh
- ÂŁ8: Bournemouth, Leeds Bradford and London City
- ÂŁ7: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Glasgow, Heathrow, Luton and Southampton
- ÂŁ6: Liverpool John Lennon and Newcastle
- ÂŁ5.50: Manchester
- ÂŁ5: Belfast International and East Midlands
- ÂŁ4.50: Cardiff
- ÂŁ4: Belfast City
Time limits vary considerably. Bournemouth’s £8 fee covers 30 minutes, while London City allows only five minutes. Gatwick provides 10 minutes for £10, and Stansted allows 15 minutes for the same price.
Payment deadline and ÂŁ100 notice
Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted and Luton use number-plate cameras without payment barriers. Drivers must pay online or by telephone before midnight on the day after their visit.
Forgetting to pay can result in a £100 parking charge notice. Motorists should use the airport’s official payment page, check the vehicle registration carefully and retain the receipt.
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Free drop-off and concession rules
Many airports provide a free alternative in a mid-stay or long-stay car park, although passengers may need to use a shuttle bus. Free periods and locations should be checked before travelling.
Blue Badge exemptions vary and may require advance vehicle registration. Edinburgh also removed its former half-price electric vehicle concession when its fee increased to ÂŁ8.50 in May.
Taxi and private-hire companies may add the airport charge to the passenger’s fare. Stopping on approach roads or restricted areas to avoid payment can lead to separate enforcement action.
Passengers flying with the airline can check the latest Jet2 summer 2026 travel update before heading to the airport.
What should passengers check?
Drivers should confirm the latest fee, time limit, payment method and free alternative on the airport’s official website. International visitors should separately check the current UK ETA requirements for 2026 before departure.
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