Business Travel Association vows to challenge London City Airport drop-off charges
- Perry Richardson
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Business Travel Association has said it will continue to challenge airport drop-off charging models following confirmation that London City Airport will introduce an £8 drop-off fee from January 2026.
The airport confirmed that from 6 January drivers will be charged £8 for the first five minutes in the drop-off zone, followed by £1 per additional minute up to a maximum stay of 10 minutes. Blue Badge holders will be exempt. The pricing details were disclosed this week, after the airport first announced plans to introduce a charge in November.
The BTA said the level of the charge reinforced its concerns about how UK airports are increasingly treating forecourt access as a revenue source rather than core transport infrastructure. The organisation said it would maintain pressure on airports and policymakers to reconsider charging structures that directly affect business travel.
Clive Wratten, Chief Executive of The Business Travel Association, said the London City fee was higher than many in the sector expected and typified a broader shift in airport policy. He said the association’s opposition was not limited to a single airport but extended to charging models being adopted nationwide.
Trade body says £8 fee reflects a wider airport charging model it intends to oppose across the UK
According to the BTA, business travellers and the operators who serve them have limited alternatives when it comes to airport drop-offs, particularly at locations such as London City Airport where journeys are often time-critical. The group argues that these charges add cost and complexity without materially improving congestion or access.
The association said it would continue to raise the issue with airport operators and government stakeholders, pressing for clearer justification for fees and greater consideration of the operational needs of business travel. It maintains that short-stay access is essential to airport function and should not be priced in a way that penalises efficiency-led journeys.
London City Airport joins a growing list of UK airports charging for terminal access, a trend the BTA says risks becoming normalised unless challenged. The organisation warned that without scrutiny, drop-off fees are likely to increase further and spread to more airports.
The BTA said its focus would remain on ensuring airport access policies support economic activity and connectivity rather than incremental revenue generation, adding that it would continue to oppose charging frameworks it believes undermine the role of airports in supporting business travel.
Wratton said: “London City Airport announced back in November that it would introduce drop-off charges from 6th January 2026. Today they revealed the actual fee: £8 for the first five minutes, then £1 per minute up to a maximum 10-minute stay. Blue badge holders will be exempt.
“£8 is significantly higher than many anticipated and reflects what other UK airports are now getting away with. This is not about managing traffic or environmental concerns - it is pure revenue generation dressed up as operational necessity.
“These charges disproportionately impact business travellers who rely on efficient drop-off access for time-sensitive journeys. They add unnecessary cost and complexity to what should be a straightforward part of the travel experience.
“At The BTA we have been clear in our opposition to these policies through our Drop the Drop-Off Fee campaign. Drop-off areas are essential infrastructure, not revenue opportunities.
“So let me ask: do you genuinely believe these fees are aimed at encouraging public transport use and reducing congestion, or are they simply an easy profit stream for UK airports?
“Because from where I stand, charging £8 for five minutes looks like one thing only - a money grab.”
