Experts said pick-up and drop-off fees at terminals, branded the ‘kiss and fly tax’, are a “rip off”.
Drop-off charges at airports have been described as excessive
Scotland’s biggest airports are cashing in on “rip-off” pick-up and drop-off charges despite boosting their profits by more than £100million.
The fees – branded the “kiss-and-fly-tax” – hit drivers using short-stay zones, with Glasgow and Aberdeen increasing the price to £7 for the first 15 minutes.
Edinburgh’s charges rose to £6 for the first 10 minutes last year.
We can reveal all three airports reported a combined pre-tax profit totalling £255.7million in 2024 – a £101.8million rise from 2023.
Consumer and motoring disputes expert Scott Dixon, of Edinburgh, said: “Motorists are seen as lucrative cash cows by airports who are reporting soaring profits and will see it for what it is – a blatant rip-off.
Front of terminal building at Glasgow Airport(Image: Ross Turpie – Daily Record / Sunday Mail)
“Airport bosses may say they offer free drop-off zones further away and charges are reinvested or used to encourage public transport to deflect any criticism.
“In reality, many travellers, particularly the disabled, don’t have a choice. It isn’t a luxury.”
Holidaymaker Derek McEwan, of Bathgate, in West Lothian, said: “It’s a complete rip-off. People forget these airports were originally built with public money and charged nothing for dropping people off.
“But like everything else the private sector was allowed to come in and buy them off at knockdown prices and now customers are getting shafted.”
Aberdeen International Airport(Image: PA)
Recent research revealed the UK is the world’s most expensive place for drop-offs.
Travellers going to Glasgow airport have to shell out £7 for 15 minutes, plus £1 for every extra minute, after the price rose from £6. It marks the fourth consecutive year the airport has raised the cost.
Those at Aberdeen airport, pay £7 for 15 minutes in the drop-off zone – an increase from £5.50. AGS Airports – which owns both facilities – has previously said the decision was due to rising costs.
But accounts show AGS raked in a combined £111.3million in pre-tax profits.
Edinburgh Airport, Scotland’s busiest, brought in drop-off charges in 2010(Image: REACH PLC)
At Edinburgh, a £1 drop-off fee was introduced in 2010. By last year it had increased to £6 for the first 10 minutes and £1 per extra minute. Edinburgh airport, jointly owned by Vinci Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners, made more than £88.2million in 2023 which rose to £144.4million in 2024.
Drop-off charges at airports have been described as excessive
Most major UK airports now charge between £5 and £10 for a short drop-off.
Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports said there are free drop-off areas further away from the main terminals.
Edinburgh Airport said: “Our costs allow us to remain competitive, invest in our infrastructure and encourage people to make more sustainable choices, with 41 per cent of our passengers using public transport. This is one of highest rates among UK airports without a direct rail link.”
AGS Airports said it faced significant increases in operating costs “such as the recent 50 per cent increase in our business rates and must ensure the airport remains competitive while continuing to invest in services”.
It added: “Unlike many other airports, AGS airports’ remains behind pre- Covid passenger volumes, nor do we receive any government support.”
It said it was committed to investing more than £350million to upgrade facilities, support route development and improve access and added: “We recognise the free long-stay option may not be suitable for all disabled passengers. We therefore offer valid Blue Badge holders 30 minutes free parking in our ShortStay car park adjacent to the terminal.”