UK airports raking in nearly 1bn a year from non-runway activities including soaring drop-off charges

[Sign at Gatwick Airport indicating that drop-off charges apply.]

AIRPORTS raked in nearly 1billion in just one year from non-runway activities including soaring drop-off charges.

Bosses stand accused of treating hard-pressed families as cash cows.

Manchester Airports Group, owner of Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands, recorded 453.3million in parking turnover in the year to April.

That compares with 516.1million from aviation.

Motorists dropping off at Manchester terminals pay 5.50 for five minutes or 6.50 for ten.

Staying up to 30 minutes costs 25.

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At Stansted, drop-off drivers pay 10 for 15 minutes.

East Mids demands 5 for 15 minutes.

Consumer champion Martyn James said: Airport car parks have long been cash cows. In some cases these extortionate fees are more expensive than package holidays.

Heathrow had car park revenues of 197million in 2025, up from 185million.

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Fares from the Heathrow Express rail line, where a walk-on one-way fare is 26, added 93million.

Drivers are charged 7 at a drop-off zone, even if they stay a few minutes.

Terminal parking is 8 for up to 29 minutes.

A stay of 12-24 hours can be 98.

Gatwick got 148.1million from parking, charging 10 for ten minutes at drop-off.

Birmingham in 2025 got 96.8million, just under its 104.6million turnover from aircraft streams.

Bristol made 75.6million in parking revenues, more than its 69.3million airline revenue.

Mr James added: Until airport shuttles and trains are more reliable, families will be forced to fork out or pushed to dodgy off-site parking firms.