Parking and dropping off loved ones at the airport is always a contentious topic, and when all you want to do is get off on your jollies or make sure friends and family start their journey on a good note, paying for the privilege can be the last thing on your mind. Now, charges for pick-up and drop-off at Manchester Airport, alongside all other UK airports, could be reviewed after the government has been forced to look at the issue.
The House of Lords has forced the government to review controversial airport drop-off fees after blocking the Civil Aviation Bill. This potential national review highlights steep costs at Manchester Airport, where drivers are currently charged £5.50 for five minutes, £6.50 for 10 minutes, and £25 for half an hour via ANPR cameras. While a free drop-off zone with a shuttle bus exists further away, terminal access fees remain highly contentious.
Critics and opposition politicians argue that these rapidly increasing charges have turned into an “out of control” revenue stream, according to Lord Empey in the House of Lords, targeting a captured market. They emphasise that the fees disproportionately impact families, elderly travellers, and disabled passengers who often lack realistic public transport alternatives and cannot shop around for better prices.
In oppostition, Transport Minister Lord Hendy has defended the practice, stating that airport drop-off fees are already subject to strict consumer protection and competition laws. He noted that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has previously examined airport surface access and concluded there is insufficient evidence to justify a formal investigation.
A House of Commons research briefing states: “In general, airports can set their own drop-off and pick-up charges, provided they comply with general consumer and competition law. This covers things such as the provision of information on prices for dropping off passengers and anti-competitive practices between service providers.”
What else is affect by the Civil Aviation Bill
Aside from the drop-off fee review, the rest of the Civil Aviation Bill proposes significant changes to aviation rules. If passed, it will give ministers and authorities new powers to regulate takeoff and landing slots, enforce price transparency, mandate better handling of missing luggage, and fine airlines that fail to properly accommodate disabled passengers.
