Airport drop-off zone with express lane and cars
London Southend Airport will introduce an £8 charge for up to 10 minutes in its new drop-off zone from March. The fee applies to drivers using the newly created ‘Express Lane’, located in the short-stay car park opposite the terminal. No barriers or tickets are required, but payment must be made online within 24 hours of leaving the area.
Airport management said the Express Lane has been designed to ease congestion and improve traffic flow. It replaces the previous arrangement and doubles the permitted stopping time. As a privately owned airport, Southend stated it must generate revenue to support operations, airline partnerships and future investment in facilities serving Essex, London and East Anglia.
“It’s not acceptable that the airport should be trying to fleece not only our residents but also local taxi drivers who are also impacted by these charges."
The move has drawn criticism from passengers and local representatives. Social media users described the charge as excessive, arguing that penalties for overstaying would be fairer than a flat fee. Liberal Democrat councillor James Newport called the cost unacceptable, saying it affects residents and taxi drivers. Southend maintains the pricing reflects similar schemes already in place at other UK airports.
Drop-off fees across the UK
- Glasgow Airport: £7 for up to 15 minutes
- Aberdeen Airport: £7 for up to 15 minutes
- London Gatwick: £10 for drop-off (Blue Badge holders exempt)
Recent increases at these airports mean Southend is not acting in isolation, but adding to a wider shift in how short stays are managed.
The steady rise in drop-off charges is changing how people plan airport journeys. Short goodbyes at the kerb now come at a clear price, pushing more travellers towards public transport, longer-stay car parks or kiss-and-ride alternatives away from terminals. Anyone flying soon would be wise to check local rules in advance, as fees and payment systems now vary sharply between airports.