As they prepare to fly off this summer, thousands of holidaymakers are going to be horrified by the cost of airport parking. Stop reading if you do not want to find out how much money airports make.
Last year, the UK’s largest four airports collected nearly £700m — or almost £2 million per day — from travelers. This is revealed by an analysis of corporate filings.
Heathrow Gatwick Manchester Stansted, despite promoting their public transport connections, could generate more revenue in the near future than NCP. NCP is the largest operator of car parks for everyday use across 600 UK locations.
Manchester and Stansted airports each made an average of £6.04 per traveller during the year ending March
The four airports have seen a rise of 18% in parking revenues, and a 51 percent increase on 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
Manchester and Stansted are the most expensive airports per passenger. Manchester Airports Group and Stansted Airports Group both made £6.04 per traveller that passed through their terminals in the year up to March 2024. These figures are in line with those of the previous year but 53 per cent more than the £3.94 taken in the year up to March 2020 just before the pandemic.
Gatwick revenue per passenger increased from £1.87 to £3.25 in 2019. Heathrow increased its revenue per passenger from £1.55 to £2.15 in the last year. However, this was a slight decrease compared to the previous year. This decline is due to the increase in passengers using public transport since the Elizabeth Line now includes an airport stop.
Parking fees at airports include a “kiss and Fly” drop-off fee. Gatwick raised its fee last year from £5 up to £6. Manchester charges £5 per five minutes, and £6 per ten.
Stansted charges £7, Heathrow £5, plus an additional £12.50 if your car does not meet London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Ulez charge.
Gatwick has decided to use robots in order to increase the number of parking spaces at its airport.
This innovation involves customers dropping off their cars in a garage dedicated to this purpose. The vehicle is then lifted by a robotic arm and moved to the parking spot. The cars can be stored closer together because no space is needed to open the doors. The robot will collect the vehicle from the owner when they arrive back at the airport.
Gatwick estimates it could fit an extra 2,000 cars into its parking lots using robots.
In 2019, the technology was tested for the first time. The plans were put on hold during the pandemic but have now been revived as the airport is nearing its pre-pandemic passenger number.
Gatwick stated in its annual report, that robots will also help to address the staff shortage. Post-Brexit, immigration restrictions have been particularly hard on the aviation industry.
Airport officials said that cost-efficiency is vital, as the industry struggles to find resources.
The analysis published last week by roadside assistance company RAC revealed that only three of the UK’s 20 largest airports — London City (City), Cardiff (City) and Inverness (Inverness) — have free-drop-off zones.
Rod Dennis, RAC senior policy officer, said: “It is depressing… that seven airports have increased their drop-off fees once again this season.” “Paying £5, £6 and even £7 to open the boot of a car to take out luggage for a loved one or friend is ridiculous.”
It seems unreasonable to increase charges for airports with poor access to public transport, such as those without a direct rail or tram connection.
Many airports provide a free drop-off farther away from the terminal building and a complimentary bus service to finish the journey
Airports remind passengers that they can be dropped free of charge away from terminal buildings. Families are able to board buses to complete their trips with their luggage.
Gatwick spokeswoman said: “This is the first increase in the fee since it was introduced March 2021. The charge allows us to reduce congestion and invest into sustainable transport, including the doubled Gatwick-Reading trains (one per hour to two) and a 20 bus hydrogen fleet.
Passengers may also park their cars in the long-stay parking lots and use our complimentary shuttle service to reach our terminals. The charge is waived for Blue Badge holders. The charge is intended to encourage the use of public transport, and to help us achieve our goal of 60 per cent of airport journeys being zero or ultra-low emission by 2030.
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