London Gatwick drop-off charge increase kicks in today - British Transport Association says it 'feels more like a cash grab than a necessity'
London Gatwick’s drop-off charge increase kicks in today (Tuesday, January 6) and it has been labelled a ‘cash grab’ by the British Transport Association (BTA).
The fee, which allows motorists to drop passengers outside the airport’s terminal for ten minutes, is set to increase by £3 to £10.
It is the second time this year drop-off charges have risen at London Gatwick. The airport increased the price of its drop-off zones by £1, bringing the minimum charge to £7, on May 2.
London Gatwick said the increase was ‘not a decision we have taken lightly’, explaining that ‘a number of increasing costs, including a more than doubling of our business rates’ were behind the rise in prices.
A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “London Gatwick’s forecourt charge/drop-off charge will increase to £10 (10 minutes) from 6 January 2026.
“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.
“Passengers can still be dropped off for free in our long-stay car parks, with a free shuttle bus to the terminal. Blue Badge holders remain exempt from the charge.
“We also have excellent public transport connectivity at the airport, with passengers able to connect directly with more than 120 train stations, while many local bus routes serve the airport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“The increase in the drop-off charge will support wider efforts to encourage greater use of public transport, helping limit the number of cars and reduce congestion at the entrance to our terminals, alongside funding a number of sustainable transport initiatives – such as our £1m investment in new and enhanced Metrobus routes in 2025.”
But Clive Wratten, CEO at BTA said there is a worrying trend across airports of ‘punishing travellers’ and said for some ‘public transport simply isn’t a practical option’.
“This latest increase feels more like a cash grab than a necessity,” he said. “Across Europe, airport drop-offs are largely free, yet this approach is increasingly becoming normal in the UK. Bristol has just announced a rise, with Heathrow and London City following suit, creating a worrying trend of punishing travellers rather than supporting them. A sensible cap on drop-off and pick-up charges would prevent this trend from spreading and ensure airports remain accessible to everyone.
“For many, public transport simply isn’t a practical option - early flights, strict check-in times, and limited services mean taxis or private cars are often essential. This disproportionately affects those travelling for work, who already make a significant contribution to the UK economy.
“Airports are critical national infrastructure. If they genuinely want to support sustainability and connectivity, they must implement practical solutions that make travel fair and workable.”