Aberdeen Airport’s popular drop-off point is set to become a no-go zone for drivers hoping to avoid official parking fees. A new sign outside the Holiday Inn Express near the airport announces a strict policy prohibiting parking, picking up, or dropping off, with violators facing a hefty £100 fine.
The sign, which reads “entry for hotel customers only,” warns that an additional £70 charge will apply if the fine remains unpaid after 28 days. Notably, even blue badge holders are not exempt from these penalties.
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This move has sparked concern among local taxi drivers and passengers who have long used this area as a free alternative to the airport’s official drop-off zone.
Kevin Sherwin, a taxi driver with 18 years of experience, expressed his frustration: “People are going to be absolutely fuming. We have got the low emission zones, we have got the bus gates so this is going to be something else that people are going to jump down somebody’s throats for.”
The introduction of these fines comes at a time when airports across the UK are facing criticism for increasing drop-off charges. According to recent analysis by the RAC, seven of the top 20 UK airports have raised their prices for drop-off parking since last summer.
Aberdeen Airport’s official express drop-off zone, located directly outside the main terminal, currently charges £5.50 for a 15-minute stay. Drivers who exceed this time limit face a premium charge of £1 per minute, with a flat fee of £50 after 30 minutes.
For those seeking to avoid these charges, the airport offers alternative options. The Long Stay car park provides a free pick-up option, allowing drivers to park for up to one hour at no cost. Passengers can either be collected from this area or use a complimentary shuttle bus to reach the terminal.
A spokesman for Aberdeen Airport clarified:
“The airport has not erected these signs (which are) on private land. The airport is not responsible for any of these fines. The airport has a long stay option which provides 60 minutes free.”
As this new policy takes effect, it remains to be seen how it will impact both local drivers and airport operations. The move is likely to spark further debate about the balance between airport revenue and passenger convenience in an era of increasing travel costs.
