Glasgow Airport’s express pick-up and drop-off charge will rise to £7 for up to 15 minutes from tomorrow, an increase of £1 on the current fee. After the initial 15 minutes, drivers will be charged an extra £1 for every additional minute they remain in the area.
Airport operator AGS Airports says the change is driven by rising operating costs and argues that the extra revenue will support long-term competitiveness and help attract new routes. A spokesperson acknowledged the move is unlikely to be popular, but insisted that all money raised will be reinvested to strengthen connectivity.
Both Glasgow and Aberdeen airports are updating their express drop-off tariffs under the same operator, meaning passengers at each site will face higher charges when being dropped off close to the terminal. While the specific pricing structures differ slightly between the two airports, the underlying rationale of offsetting increased costs and funding future investment is the same.
At Glasgow, the express pick-up and drop-off zone, located directly outside the terminal, is designed for short visits only and will be subject to the new £7 tariff. Airport bosses are urging anyone who expects to be longer than 15 minutes to consider alternative options to avoid incurring higher charges.
Drivers who want to drop off or collect passengers without paying can still use the free long-stay pick-up and drop-off area. Vehicles can be parked there for up to one hour at no cost, and passengers can either walk or use the free, on-demand shuttle bus between the Long Stay car park and the terminal. This option offers more time and flexibility for those who do not need to be directly outside the terminal doors.
A spokesperson said: “It is important to keep in mind that there is always a free alternative where customers can park for up to one hour. These are located in our long stay car parks, and passengers can use a free, on-demand shuttle service to and from the terminal.”
Blue Badge holders continue to receive a separate concession under the updated pricing structure. They can use the Terminal Multi-Storey car park opposite the terminal and benefit from 30 minutes of free parking for pick-up and drop-off, as long as a valid Blue Badge is displayed or presented at the exit.
