Gatwick Airport increases forecourt drop-off charge from 2 May
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
Gatwick Airport has announced that its forecourt drop-off charge will rise by £1 from 2 May. The new minimum fee for using the airport’s designated drop-off zones will be £7.
Travellers can pay the charge online, by phone, or through an AutoPay account. The airport has confirmed that drivers can continue to use the Long Stay car parks for free if they wish to avoid the fee. Blue Badge holders will remain exempt from the drop-off charge.
The airport introduced the forecourt drop-off fee in 2021 as part of wider measures to manage congestion and support ongoing investment in facilities. The increase follows a review of operational costs and parking policies.
The taxi and private hire industry is expected to feel the effect of the higher charge. Many operators who provide airport transfers will now face additional costs, which are likely to be passed on to passengers through higher fares. This will particularly affect those booking single trips where waiting in free parking zones is not practical.
Passengers using taxis and private hire vehicles to reach Gatwick may see small increases in quoted prices to cover the extra fee. Cabbies are likely to update their pricing structures to reflect the £7 cost, meaning passengers will directly pay for the convenience of forecourt drop-off access.
A Gatwick Airport statement on social media said: “Our forecourt drop-off charge is changing from 2 May. The minimum charge to use our designated drop-off zones will increase by £1 to £7.
“You can pay online, over the phone, or by setting up an AutoPay account. You can still drop off for free in the Long Stay car parks. Blue Badge holders remain exempt from the charge.“
