Gatwick Airport to Raise Drop-Off Charges Amid Expansion Push

Gatwick Airport has confirmed that it will raise its drop-off charges starting May 2, sparking criticism from passengers and taxi drivers alike. The move is part of the airport’s broader strategy to encourage more passengers to use public transport—a requirement set by the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, for approval of its northern runway expansion.

Currently the second busiest airport in the UK, Gatwick aims to convert its emergency-use northern runway into a full-time operational runway to handle up to 100,000 additional flights per year. But for the green light, it must prove that at least 54% of arriving passengers use public transport.

To support this goal, Stewart Wingate, the airport’s CEO, told The Telegraph that hiking drop-off fees is a way to influence travel behavior.

The drop-off charge will rise from £6 to £7 for 10 minutes, with £1 added for each additional minute up to a 20-minute maximum. A daily cap remains at £26, and the total stay allowed is 30 minutes. Payments must be made by midnight the following day to avoid a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).

Taxi drivers and passenger advocates have slammed the price increase, with some calling it “daylight robbery.” Zamir Dreni from the App Drivers & Couriers Union criticized the move as a “cash cow on the public,” pointing out that public transport isn’t always accessible—especially for those arriving late or traveling with children and heavy luggage.

Compared to other London airports, Gatwick’s revised rates are now the highest. Heathrow recently raised its terminal drop-off fee to £6, while Stansted charges £7 for 15 minutes. Luton offers five minutes for £5, while City Airport still allows free terminal drop-off, though drivers can’t wait.

Gatwick says its £2.2 billion runway project is “shovel-ready,” but the Planning Inspectorate has demanded further assurances on environmental and noise impacts before granting final approval.

Critics argue the expansion should not come at the cost of local communities already burdened by traffic and deteriorating roads. Wingate emphasized that the airport is addressing these concerns through an “amended proposal” tailored to the Secretary of State’s requirements.