'Not a popular decision': Glasgow and Aberdeen airports hike passenger drop-off charges

Charges at Aberdeen Airport will rise by £1.50 to £7 for 15 minutes, while fees at Glasgow Airport will rise from £6 to £7.

The changes came into force on Tuesday.

The airports said they appreciated the move was “not a popular decision” but that cost increases had led to the hike. They said the increase was necessary for the airports to remain competitive and attract new routes.

They stressed there were free alternatives to the pick-up and drop-off areas, where drivers can park for up to one hour without paying.

They said in a statement: “It is important to keep in mind that there is always a free alternative where customers can park for up to one hour. This is located in our long stay car park, and passengers can use a free, on-demand shuttle service to and from the terminal.

“The pick-up and drop-off area is intended for short visits of up to 15 minutes only. We would encourage anyone who thinks they may be longer to use the free alternative or our short-stay car park.

“Valid Blue Badge holders continue to receive 30 minutes free in our multi-storey car park.”

Last year, drop-off charges at Edinburgh Airport increased to £6 for ten minutes.

They said the move was to encourage more travellers to switch to public transport, and that the income would be used for expansion of the airport and terminal improvements.

Analysis by the RAC in July found that half of UK airports raised or introduced drop-off fees for drivers in the previous year, while most of the busiest EU airports still have no charge.

As well as Edinburgh, those that increased their fees included Belfast City, Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick, Heathrow, Liverpool John Lennon, Newcastle and Southampton.