As airport fees already frustrate many travelers, Glasgow Airport is introducing a new charge for drivers who drop off passengers at the terminal in an effort to reduce congestion.
From April, the airport will implement a timed “kiss-and-drop” system that charges drivers based on how long they remain in the arrivals area. Drivers who stay for at least 10 minutes will be charged £2, with higher charges applied for longer stays.
The charge will be introduced alongside a new pick-up and drop-off facility designed to keep traffic moving and prevent blockages at the terminal entrances.
While Glasgow Airport has operated similar pick-up charges for about a decade and many other UK airports already charge for drop-offs, the announcement has prompted public criticism and a petition opposing the move.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, acknowledged that not everyone will support the change but emphasized that a free option will remain available in the long-stay car park. She said the airport had resisted introducing a drop-off charge for as long as possible, but after exhausting other options, a chargeable facility was deemed the most effective way to tackle congestion, discourage non-airport traffic, and improve use of the local road network.