The government has confirmed it will review drop-off charges at UK airports, including Bristol Airport, after prices rose sharply across the country over the past year.
The Department for Transport said on 14 October that a review was "vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly". It added that it hoped airports would "exercise restraint on rises, particularly where there are limited public transport alternatives", according to BBC News.
Bristol Airport's charge for its Drop Off & Pick Up car park rose from £7 to £8.50 for a 10-minute stay on 5 January 2026, the airport confirmed in its own announcement at the time. That followed earlier rises from £5 to £6 in 2024 and £6 to £7 in 2025, meaning the fee has gone up by more than 40% in two years. The Short Stay car park and the Minibus/Over Height car park saw similar increases.
Bristol Airport said the latest rise followed Chancellor Rachel Reeves' autumn budget, which it said would more than double its business rates bill. A government spokesperson said at the time that airports "must follow consumer law and justify their charges", while pointing to a £4.2bn support package capping business rates increases at 30% before other reliefs.
The RAC, which has campaigned against rising drop-off fees for several years, welcomed the review. "This will be music to the ears of drivers, as we know airport drop-off charges are a growing source of anger and frustration," said Rod Dennis, the RAC's senior policy officer. The motoring organisation's research, published in July, found 16 of the UK's 20 busiest airports had increased drop-off fees between summer 2025 and summer 2026, with average prices rising by a third to £7. It noted that none of the 10 busiest airports in the European Union charge for drop-offs at all.
It is not yet clear when the review will report or whether it could lead to price caps or a mandatory free grace period, something campaigners and MPs have called for in recent Westminster Hall debates. The Civil Aviation Authority does not currently have powers to cap drop-off charges.
For passengers travelling through Bristol Airport, the practical options remain unchanged for now. The airport's Waiting Zone car park, near the Car Rental Centre, still allows up to an hour free, with a shuttle bus running every 15 minutes to the terminal. Blue badge holders can also use the main Drop Off & Pick Up car park for up to 40 minutes at the £8.50 rate.
What this means for your journey: if you want to avoid the £8.50 charge, check Bristol Airport's parking options before you travel, including the free Waiting Zone, to see which fits your pick-up or drop-off plans. /parking/