UK Airports Hike ‘Kiss and Fly’ Fees: Check Out It’s Impact on Tourism and Competitiveness Compared to Europe

Published on July 17, 2025

The UK aviation landscape is changing, and not for the better. High “kiss and fly” charges at the UK’s airports are an issue for holidaymakers, with the recent research by the RAC showing that eleven of the UK’s busiest airports have put their prices up or changed their drop-off charges in the last 12 months. The added fees – which are applied when passengers are dropped off right outside the terminal building – have become the new norm for British skiing holidays. This move, designed to tackle overcrowding and become more environmentally friendly, could have serious ramifications for UK tourism, an industry that continues to be one of the UK’s leading economic contributors.

The UK Trend for ‘Kiss and Fly’ Charges

A “kiss and fly” fee, as it is known colloquially, is assessed to drivers who want to drop off passengers near the terminal. Fees, £3 to £5 or more, are generally in effect in designated spaces near airport entrances. While there are still many airports that provide free drop-off zones, these can be some distance from the terminal buildings, meaning it can take you quite a walk or a bus journey to reach check-in. Passengers are ANGRY at the UK’s extortionate fees at airports and the fact that so few European airports charge them, making them a more attractive option for people traveling long haul.

Latest RAC figures show 11 out of the 20 UK airports it examined have jacked up the fee to “kiss and fly” in the past 12 months, with some, such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham, adding £1 to the cost. Since then Cardiff Airport, which had been free of charge, has decided to levy a £3 charge, while Luton, which suspended its drop-off fee temporarily following a car park fire, is now charging £5. One of the highest in the country comes with already high fees at Heathrow.

The findings come in stark contrast to Europe, where most airports, such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt or Madrid, do not levy drop-off fees. Tourists are particularly affected by the contrast between the UK and Europe, because the extra costs may make UK airports a less appealing destination for tourists.

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Tourism is an important aspect of the UK economy and it adds billions of pounds a year. There were more than 40 million overseas visitors to the UK in 2019, including almost 20 million to London. But the recent rise in “kiss and fly” charges could be an additional expense for visitors, especially for those travelling with families, or heavy luggage. Tourists, also already damaged by the cost of travelling internationally, may be encouraged to simply avoid Thailand in favor of European options where these surcharges do not exist.

For UK citizens these costs are likely to put the brakes on domestic tourism. The majority of passengers also choose to be driven to the terminal for the convenience, without the cost and inconvenience of parking. 8 With the rise of drop-off fees, visiting the airport is becoming difficult and inconvenient, thus making it more challenging for families and retired passengers to reach airport with ease. Such a shift could lead to changes in domestic travel behaviour, in particular among cities with significant tourist interest like London, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Also, it could affect the stream of overseas tourists into the UK. For many foreigners flying into the UK, being dropped off or picked up by family, friends or private transport is a standard part of visiting the country. As a result of this extra cost, matter-of-factly Britain will become a more expensive place in which to travel and therefore less competitive with all other countries in Europe who have lower charges for the same service.

Economic Impact on Local Communities

While airports justify the new fees as a means of addressing congestion, cutting carbon emissions and meeting government targets for noise and air quality control, there are economic implications for local communities and the tourism industry. Consideration of the impact of economic growth on the environment is a central plank of government policy in the UK49. But the higher fees could also push potential tourists to find better bargains in other countries.

Tourism is one of the biggest employers in the UK, powering millions of jobs in hospitality, retail, transport and the entertainment industry. And the extra expenses of those who visit UK airports for that short travel will reduce visitor numbers, especially among overseas holidaymakers who will have their enthusiasm dulled by additional cost. Asphalt-meat airports, especially those situated in traveler meccas, might endure reduced foot traffic, damaging the local economy.

It is also worth noting the effect on industries that serve airport goers, such as local hotels and airport taxis. If fewer tourists are prepared to pay the drop-off fees they might switch to other transport, such as public transport, or cheaper flights to airports that do not levy the charges. This would potentially even limit the number of passengers who depend services around the airports, although this would hit revenue for businesses reliant on travel spending.

Public Opinion and the Reform Requirement

There has been an avalanche of criticism since the recent hikes of drop-off fees, especially from parents and the physically challenged. The charges are regarded as a further levy on holidaymakers, many of whom are feeling the financial pinch through higher flying costs and airport taxes. Reaction from the public has been pretty negative for the most part, with most folks saying that the fees are outrageous and don’t do much for them as a traveler.

RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis criticised the UK’s attitude, contrasting it with that of European airports where no similar charges are in place. “There are so many people who are forced into using the drop-off zones because of large pieces of luggage, and public transportation is not an option,” Dennis said. The transition to a barrierless system, which requires payment to be made online or by phone, has added another layer of confusion, with fears that drivers who are unused to the system will be fined for parking offences.

London City Airport is the only major UK airport which has free drop-off right at the terminal. This was lauded as a good example of the balance of tourist needs and reality of running an airport. As they consider the future of airport drop-off charges nationwide, the government and airport operators might want to examine London City’s approach.

The path ahead: Striking the right balance between sustainability and tourist interests

“I understand the objectives of introducing “kiss and fly” charges, such as controlling the traffic and lowering emissions levels, but it is absolutely crucial that this country focus’ on the wider impact for tourism looking way beyond the short term dangers of pricing and visitation.” The challenge is ensuring the right balance between environmental sustainability and continued ease of access to airports for passengers.

If UK airports are to remain competitive and attractive to international tourists, the current drop-off fee regime must be reappraised. Airports have a role to play in counteracting the negative effect on tourism, he added, by providing cheaper and more adaptable alternatives, like free drop-off areas nearer the terminal, or more transparent information about options to pay.

Additionally, high levels of communication between regional governments, airport authority and tourism boards will be needed to ensure that the positive externalities of sustainable transportation initiatives is not to the detriment of the growth of the tourism industry. It will also be vital to adopt a tactical approach that promotes a balance between environmentally-friendly initiatives and flexible travel choices, to maintain UK tourism’s success.

Conclusion

In summary, whilst the ongoing increase in “kiss and fly” charges at UK airports can be justified as a measure to manage congestion and reduce carbon emissions, it is important that the threat to tourism is not underestimated. Extra costs could discourage both domestic and international vacationers, resulting in fewer people passing through airports, and potentially less tourism money. As European airports do not have this kind of charge, reducing Britain’s appeal to visitors.“There is much less of a risk of an outbreak here. It’s critical that the UK remains an attractive tourism destination, and a balance between environmental policy and traveller requirements must be struck. It is estimated that a responsive model of drop-off services could be adopted more widely but one that will have the effect of lessening the burdens on inbound tourism and ensure that this important industry continue to expand.

References:
UK Department for Transport, AirportsUK, London City Airport, RAC, UK Government Tourism Board.