Stansted Airport has announced a significant increase in drop-off fees for drivers, with new charges designed to manage terminal congestion and reduce so-called 'kiss and fly' traffic. Motorists stopping for under 15 minutes will now pay £10, a £3 rise from previous rates, while those staying for 15 minutes or more face a steep £28 fee.
Penalties and Exemptions for Drivers
Drivers exceeding 30 minutes in the terminal area risk a £100 Parking Charge Notice, which can be reduced to £60 if settled within 14 days. Additionally, a £28 charge applies to vehicles re-entering the car park within 30 minutes of their initial entry. Blue Badge holders are entirely exempt from all these new fees, ensuring accessibility for disabled passengers.
Airport's Rationale and Public Transport Goals
A spokesperson for Stansted Airport stated that the move aims to "manage congestion at the terminal and reduce 'kiss and fly' traffic, which is a major contributor to road congestion around the airport." The airport is required under planning conditions to ensure that at least 50 per cent of passengers access the airport by public transport, with this threshold set to rise to 54 per cent as passenger numbers increase.
The spokesperson added, "We continue to offer a free park and ride facility for those who are happy to be dropped off and picked up further away from the terminal, as well as a discount scheme for local residents living within 10 miles of the airport."
Broader Trend Across UK Airports
This increase follows similar price rises at other major UK airports. In December, London's Heathrow increased drop-off charges from £6 to £7 and introduced a maximum 10-minute stay before a £40 penalty applies. Heathrow's charge also went up by a pound at the start of 2025, marking a 40 per cent rise since the fee was introduced four years ago, with the airport citing a need to match other leading airports.
Gatwick Airport has also implemented a significant increase, raising its passenger drop-off fee to £10, making it the most expensive in the UK. These moves reflect a growing trend among UK airports to use pricing strategies to alleviate traffic pressures and encourage the use of public transport options.
