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East Midlands Airport raises rapid drop-off charge to £8 as taxi and private hire airport costs climb
East Midlands Airport has introduced a sharp increase in its terminal drop-off tariff, adding another operating cost for taxi, private hire and chauffeur businesses serving the airport.
The new Rapid Drop Off charge took effect on Tuesday 29 September 2026. Drivers now pay £8 for a stay of up to 10 minutes immediately outside the terminal, according to the airport’s official passenger information.
The previous tariff was £5 for up to 15 minutes. The headline entry charge has therefore increased by £3, or 60%, while the included time has been cut by five minutes. Trade reporting published on 30 September identified the change and its effect on taxi and private hire drivers.
Staying beyond the initial 10-minute period can become considerably more expensive. East Midlands Airport’s current parking guidance states that an additional £1 is charged for every minute after the first 10 minutes. A 15-minute terminal drop-off would therefore cost £13 under the published tariff.
That pricing structure gives professional drivers a stronger incentive to minimise dwell times when unloading passengers and luggage. For airport-transfer operators making repeated terminal trips, the £3 increase in the minimum charge can also become a material fleet expense when multiplied across regular airport work.
The airport continues to provide a free alternative. Drivers can use the Long Stay car park for pick-ups and drop-offs without charge for up to 60 minutes, although that option does not provide the same terminal-door convenience as Rapid Drop Off.
Blue Badge arrangements are separate. East Midlands Airport says Blue Badge parking remains available in Short Stay 1, with the first 30 minutes free and designated bays provided.
Rapid Drop Off is barrier-free. Payment can be made online or by telephone, while regular users can establish an AutoPay account so charges are collected automatically. That arrangement may be particularly relevant to taxi, private hire and chauffeur fleets making frequent airport journeys.
The airport’s official private hire concession is operated by Arrow Cars, which has dedicated collection and drop-off points outside the terminal. East Midlands Airport says fares for journeys booked through that service are fixed and prepaid without additional parking or waiting-time charges.
