Airports 'cashing in' after hikes in 'kiss and fly' drop-off fees

SHAMELESS Scottish airports are cashing in by charging holidaymakers “outrageous” drop-off fees despite already raking in millions of pounds.

- By Dan Vevers

Experts have said airport terminal pickup and drop-off charges, branded the “kiss and fly tax”, are a relatively recent phenomenon and “an easy cash grab”.

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow airports have already raised these charges this year.

Now motorists who use a short-stay zone, 10-minute maximum, to drop off or collect loved ones at Edinburgh face having to fork out £6. Those stopping at Glasgow have 15 minutes.

The price hikes come despite the latest available accounts for Glasgow Airport, which is owned by AGS, showing it made a profit after tax of more than £4.6million.

'Fees are a cash cow for airports'

Meanwhile Edinburgh, which is jointly owned by VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) raked in more than £88.2m.

Edinburgh-based consumer and motoring disputes expert Scott Dixon said the fees had become a “lucrative cash cow for airports”.