Private hire driver reps warn airport drop-off fee rises risk pushing up fares and squeezing drivers
- Perry Richardson
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Drivers Representation and Advocacy Group (DRA) has raised concerns over a new round of airport drop-off fee increases, arguing that higher charges at major London airports will add pressure to private hire drivers and inflate passenger fares.
At Heathrow, the drop-off fee has risen from £5 to £8, while Gatwick has introduced a £10 charge. London City Airport has also confirmed new drop-off charges coming into force at the same time, extending the cost impact across key airports serving the capital.
The group, which represents private hire drivers including those working on app-based platforms such as Uber and Bolt, said the increases are being passed directly onto customers, risking a reduction in demand for taxi and minicab journeys to airports.
Yaseen Aslam, founder of the DRA and lead claimant in the Supreme Court case on driver employment status, said the additional costs could materially alter pricing. He said a £25 private hire fare could rise to £33 once an £8 airport charge is added, potentially pushing passengers towards alternative transport options.
Drivers’ group says higher charges at Heathrow, Gatwick and London City will hit earnings and passenger demand
The DRA said the impact would fall disproportionately on TfL-licensed private hire drivers, many of whom come from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. The group argued that higher airport charges add to existing financial pressures in a sector already characterised by long working hours and variable income.
The organisation also criticised the conditions at airport Authorised Vehicle Area car parks at Heathrow and Gatwick, where drivers pay additional fees while waiting for passengers. It said facilities remain poor despite the rising charges, and would not be considered acceptable in many other industries.
The DRA linked the issue to long-standing concerns about labour conditions in the private hire sector, referencing previous warnings about low pay and insecure work. It said airport pricing policies risk reinforcing what it described as structural pressures on drivers’ livelihoods rather than supporting a sustainable transport workforce.
Airport operators argue that drop-off fees are intended to manage congestion and encourage public transport use, but driver groups maintain that private hire vehicles provide an essential service for passengers with luggage, mobility needs or early and late travel requirements.
The DRA has called on airport authorities to review the level of charges and to engage directly with driver representatives. It said without dialogue and reform, rising airport fees could further reduce earnings, limit work opportunities and ultimately affect the availability of private hire services for passengers.
