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

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”. Airports raked in nearly £1billion in just one year from non-runway activities — including soaring drop-off charges Credit: Getty Manchester Airports Group, owner of Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands, recorded £453.3million in parking turnover in the year to April Credit: Getty 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. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Motorists dropping off at Manchester terminals pay £5.50 for five minutes or £6.50 for ten. Staying up to 30 minutes costs £25. 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. Most read in The Sun 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.” Comment now