Kiss and fly fees for dropping passengers at airports are becoming increasingly common in the UK, with two Scottish airports introducing them, but critics have argued that these fees aren’t widespread in Europe
Dropping a friend off at the airport is now more expensive(Image: Ross Turpie – Daily Record / Sunday Mail)
Airport parking has always been a pricey part of going on holiday, but in recent years, a new fee has been added for even the briefest of airport visits. Kiss and fly fees are charged for anyone driving close to the terminal to drop off a passenger, so even if you’re stopping for just a few minutes, you could end up paying a fee.
The latest airports to raise its fees are Glasgow and Aberdeen. As of February 3, the cost will rise to £7 for 15 minutes in Glasgow, and Aberdeen will raise its prices from £5.50 to £7.
However, AGS Airports, which operates both sites, pointed out that a free alternative was available in its long-stay car parks. Those meeting passengers could have up to an hour’s free parking, with a regular shuttle bus that takes seven minutes at Glasgow and two minutes at Aberdeen.
Kiss and Fly fees were under debate last summer when a BBC article pointed out that at nine of the 10 busiest airports in the European Union, there are no drop-off fees. As an example, Paris Charles de Gaulle, one of the EU’s busiest airports, has a Dépose-minute zone in front of each terminal where people can park for 10 minutes for free. Frankfurt Airport, another major hub, offers ‘Kiss & Ride’ areas directly in front of the terminal doors at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for 10-minute drop-offs or pickups.
Gatwick recently became the most expensive airport in the UK to drop off a passenger. In May 2025, it raised kiss-and-fly fees to £7, then to £10 last month for a mere 10-minute wait.
A spokesperson for Aberdeen International Airport said: “Due to well publicised increases in our cost base we have taken the decision to increase our Express Drop Off fee. We appreciate that this is not a popular decision, however, it is important the airport remains competitive and all money raised serves to strengthen our connectivity and help to attract new routes.
“The pick-up and drop-off area is intended for short visits of up to 15 minutes only. We would encourage anyone who thinks they may be longer to use the free alternative or our short-stay car park. Valid Blue Badge holders continue to receive 30 minutes free in our Short-Stay Car Park.”
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A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport gave a similar response, stating: “Due to increases in our cost base, we have taken the decision to increase our Pick Up and Drop Off charges. We appreciate that this is not a popular decision; however, it is important that the airport remains competitive, and all money raised serves to strengthen our connectivity and help to attract new routes.
They also emphasised the free alternative available and that Blue Badge Holders received 30 minutes of free parking in short-stay areas.
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