East Midlands Airport Defends £8 Drop-Off Parking Charge Rise

East Midlands Airport Drop-Off Charge Rises to £8 for 10 Minutes

East Midlands Airport Defends £8 Drop-Off Parking Charge Increase East Midlands Airport has defended a major increase to its rapid drop-off parking charge, with drivers set to pay £8 for 10 minutes from Tuesday 29 September. The new price replaces the existing £5 charge for 15 minutes, meaning motorists will pay more while also having five fewer minutes in the drop-off area. East Midlands Airport drop-off charge rises The airport introduced drop-off charges in 2010, when drivers paid £1 for 10 minutes. The charge increased to £2 in 2017 and £3 in 2019, before rising to £4 in 2020, when the airport allowed drivers 15 minutes in the drop-off area. The price then increased to £5 in 2021, where it remained until the latest change. Under the new system, drivers will pay £8 for 10 minutes, with an additional £1 charged for every extra minute spent in the drop-off area. The change represents an increase of more than 50% compared with the previous £5 charge. Airport explains why prices are increasing East Midlands Airport commercial director Adam Andrews said the airport understood that price increases were unpopular but described the area as its premium airport drop-off service. He said the airport had invested in the area in recent years, including removing barriers and introducing technology designed to allow drivers to enter and leave without getting out of their vehicles to make a payment. Mr Andrews also said the airport had not increased the price of the service for five years and that the latest rise reflected inflationary pressures and the cost of maintaining the service. He said additional income would also help the airport continue investing in other products and services, including bus routes. Free parking remains available Drivers who do not want to use the paid drop-off area have another option at the airport. East Midlands Airport offers up to one hour of free parking in its long-stay car park, giving passengers an alternative to the rapid drop-off zone. The airport also said Blue Badge holders can park free of charge in the short-stay car park next to the terminal, provided they show their badge when exiting. The airport also highlighted bus services operated with Trentbarton, including services connecting East Midlands Airport with major cities and towns. What drivers need to know The new rapid drop-off charge will apply from 3pm on Tuesday 29 September, so anyone taking passengers to East Midlands Airport after that time will need to account for the higher price and shorter free period. Drivers who are only dropping someone off for a short time may therefore want to consider the available alternatives before travelling. For passengers and drivers unfamiliar with airport parking arrangements, checking the available car parks and prices before setting off can help avoid last-minute decisions at the terminal. EveryonesParking can help drivers plan parking before travelling, making it easier to compare options and find suitable parking when visiting airports or other busy destinations.