Gatwick Airport Raises Drop-Off Fee to £10

Gatwick Airport, the United Kingdom's second-busiest facility, announced on Thursday that it will raise its drop-off fee from £7 to £10 per vehicle starting January 6. The increase, which applies to the zone directly outside the terminals and allows a maximum stay of 10 minutes, marks a 43 percent hike and positions Gatwick as having the highest such charge among major UK airports.

Airport officials attributed the decision to rising operational costs, particularly a more than doubling of business rates set to take effect in April. A spokesperson for Gatwick stated, "This increase in the drop-off charge is not a decision we have taken lightly. However, we are facing a number of increasing costs, including a more than doubling of our business rates." The fee will help fund efforts to promote public transport use, reduce vehicle congestion at terminal entrances, and support sustainable initiatives, such as a £1 million investment in enhanced Metrobus routes planned for 2025. Passengers can avoid the charge by using long-stay car parks, where drop-offs are free, followed by a complimentary shuttle to the terminals. Blue Badge holders remain exempt from the fee.