What is the new charge for dropping off or picking up passengers at Southend Airport?

Southend Airport will charge £8 for a 10-minute stay in its new express drop-off and pick-up lane.

Why is Southend Airport introducing this new fee?

The airport states the new lane offers a faster, more convenient option and that the revenue is needed for operations and reinvestment as part of its post-pandemic recovery.

Who has criticized the new drop-off charges at Southend Airport?

Local residents and councillors, including Liberal Democrat councillor James Newport, have criticized the charges, calling them 'rip-off charges'.

Home / Business and Economy / Southend Airport's £8 Drop-Off Fee Sparks Outrage

Southend Airport's £8 Drop-Off Fee Sparks Outrage

22 Feb

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Summary

Southend Airport will charge £8 for a 10-minute drop-off.
Critics call the new fees 'rip-off charges' and 'fleece'.
The airport is introducing this to recover revenue post-pandemic.

Southend Airport's £8 Drop-Off Fee Sparks Outrage

Southend Airport is set to introduce a new express lane for drop-offs and pick-ups in March, with a charge of £8 for a 10-minute stay. Airport officials claim this will provide a faster, more convenient option for passengers. However, the decision has drawn significant backlash from local residents and councillors.

Liberal Democrat councillor James Newport described the charges as "rip-off charges" and unacceptable, stating the airport should not "fleece" residents or local taxi drivers. The airport has defended the fees, asserting they are in line with those at other UK airports and are necessary for revenue generation.

The airport, owned by Esken Limited and Carlyle, is recovering from the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw Ryanair close its base in November 2021. Despite setbacks, passenger numbers reached 720,000 last year, its busiest since 2019. EasyJet is also set to resume operations with a new base in March 2025.

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