Drivers have been warned of serious price hikes at two major UK airports for the first time, in a blow to thousands of travellers.
Passengers using Glasgow and Aberdeen airports will face higher costs from today, after both airports increased their drop-off charges to £7 for just 15 minutes.
The rise is especially sharp at Aberdeen Airport, where the fee has jumped by 27 per cent, up from £5.50. At Glasgow Airport, the charge has increased by £1 to match Aberdeen's new £7 rate.
Both airports are operated by AGS Airports, which explained that higher charges were needed to cover rising running costs
The company admitted the changes would not be popular but insisted the extra money would help the airports remain competitive and support the launch of new routes.
However, the increases have been strongly criticised by the Business Travel Association, which warned that the fees place an unfair burden on passengers and businesses.
Clive Wratten, chief executive of the BTA, described the rise at Aberdeen as excessive and unjustified.
He said: "The 27 per cent increase in Aberdeen Airport's drop-off fee (from £5.50 to £7 for just 15 minutes) is a sharp hike that hits passengers and businesses hard, with little connection to transport or operational needs.
The airport increases have been slammed by experts who have now called for Government action
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"This is part of a domino effect: once Heathrow and Gatwick raised charges, it set a new benchmark, and other airports are clearly testing how far they can push these fees."
He also warned that, unless action is taken, passengers can expect charges to continue rising across the UK.
The BTA boss dismissed claims from Aberdeen Airport that the higher fees are needed to stay competitive or attract new flight routes, describing them as "unconvincing".
Mr Wratten questioned where else passengers could travel from instead of Aberdeen, before calling for greater transparency about how the money raised from drop-off charges is actually spent.
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Aberdeen Airport increased its drop-off charge by 27 per cent to align with other Scottish airports
| GETTYMany travellers, particularly business passengers, said they have little choice but to use drop-off zones, as limited public transport often creates issues for early morning flights or late arrivals.
AGS Airports has defended the charges, stressing that free alternatives are available at both airports. A spokesperson said: "It is important to keep in mind that there is always a free alternative where customers can park for up to one hour.
"Passengers can use the long-stay car parks free of charge and take an on-demand shuttle bus to the terminal."
The company explained that the paid drop-off areas are intended only for very short stays of up to 15 minutes, while Blue Badge holders can still park free for up to 30 minutes in the short-stay car parks at both airports.
Edinburgh Airport increased its drop-off fees last year to £6 for 10 minute window
| PAIn response, Mr Wratten said: "At the BTA, we are calling for a cap of £3 per drop-off and a single daily charge, so passengers aren't penalised twice, alongside a transparent approach to airport fees that protects both business and leisure travellers."
Last year, Edinburgh Airport raised its pick-up and drop-off charge by £1 to £6 for the first 10 minutes.
Gail Taylor, CCO at Edinburgh Airport, said: "The use of cars is the most polluting mode, with four journeys for each passenger compared to just two when using public transport.
"We want more people to use the robust transport links we have, as this both reduces emissions and congestion."