Bournemouth, Motoring & Transport | Posted on October 15th, 2026 | return to news

Government review into airport parking charges

With Bournemouth Airport charging high fees for airport drop-offs, users could welcome a national government review.

Around the UK, airport drop-off fees remain a contentious issue. The industry cites them as a key revenue generator, while most airport users feel they are an easy target whenever they drop families or friends off or take a taxi to an airport.

Recent summer price increases saw London airports top the charts with £10 fees,
while Edinburgh and Bristol charge £8.50. Bournemouth comes in next, along with East Midlands, Leeds Bradford and London City, all charging £8 per drop off.

Bournemouth’s drop-off time does last for up to 30 minutes, allowing for a decent farewell, with most airports offering only 10 minutes.

The Department of Transport investigation promises a review, aiming “to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly.” The government also stated it hopes airports would “exercise restraint on rises, particularly where there are limited public transport alternatives”.

The RAC responded on behalf of drivers, stating: “This will be music to the ears of drivers, as we know airport drop-off charges are a growing source of anger and frustration. We’ve brought national attention to the issue by calling out these fees over many years, so are pleased they will now be scrutinised. Four-in-five drivers we’ve surveyed believe they are a ‘rip-off’, with just one-in-10 understanding why airports charge what they do.”

This news comes after the government recently ordered the scrapping of charges that some airlines impose when seating children under the age of 14 with a parent or accompanying adult on a flight.