Gatwick Airport raises drop-off charge to £10 for all drivers

Gatwick Airport has implemented a significant increase to its mandatory drop-off charge, raising the fee to £10 for all vehicles dropping off passengers directly outside the North and South Terminal buildings. The change, which came into effect recently, means drivers will now pay 43% more than the previous £7 charge.

Details of the new pricing structure

The charge applies to anyone using the designated forecourt drop-off zones for both terminals. The new structure is as follows:

• First 10 minutes: £10.00

• Each additional minute: £1.00 (up to a maximum of 20 minutes)

The airport stated that the price increase is necessary to encourage passengers to use public transport alternatives and to cover the costs of managing traffic congestion in the terminal areas.

Options for Turkish travellers and businesses

For the Turkish community and Turkish-owned taxi or transfer businesses operating in London, this rise increases operational costs. However, the airport maintains that the Long Stay Car Parks remain the most economical option for drop-offs:

• Long Stay Car Parks: Drivers can drop off passengers and baggage free of charge for the first two hours. Passengers must then take a short, free shuttle bus service to the terminal building.

Drivers are reminded that the forecourt drop-off zones are subject to strict enforcement, and anyone stopping in an unauthorized area will receive a minimum £100 penalty charge notice (PCN).