Political opinion: Peter Lamb MP welcomes Government review of rising Gatwick Airport drop-off charges

Peter Lamb, Labour MP for Crawley, has welcomed the Labour Government’s announcement that it will review airport drop-off charges following significant price increases, with Gatwick Airport now charging some of the highest fees in the country.

New analysis from the RAC has revealed that drop-off charges at Gatwick have risen from £7 to £10 for just ten minutes, making it the joint most expensive airport in the UK for dropping off passengers.

The findings also show that charges across the UK's 20 busiest airports have increased by an average of a third since summer 2025, placing additional financial pressure on passengers and families.

The Department for Transport has now confirmed that the Government will review airport drop-off charges to ensure passengers are treated fairly and that airport travel remains accessible and affordable. The Government has also urged airport operators to exercise restraint when considering further increases, particularly where alternative public transport options are limited.

As the MP for Crawley, home to thousands of residents who work at or regularly travel through Gatwick Airport, Peter Lamb has welcomed the announcement and called for greater fairness and transparency over the charges.

Peter Lamb, Labour MP for Crawley, said: “I welcome the Government's decision to review dop off rates. Crawley residents often raise this issue with me and the impact it can have on those using or working at the airport.”

"I fully recognise the importance of managing traffic and congestion around airports, but it is important that where charges are made that these are made fairly and transparently.”