We are very happy to see the return of some customers, and it is so nice to be taking people to and from the airports again. 

 

It really has been a terrible 20 months for most trades and businesses, with aviation been one of the hardest hit. 

 

Due to the huge drop in passengers through the airports, the businesses of course need to see some financial improvements in their profits and revenues. One method they are now implementing is the "Drop off/pick up fee" 

 

Heathrow and Gatwick are the last of the major airports to introduce this charge. The first was Luton, at £2.00 (about 8 years ago) closely followed by Stanstead, Birmingham, East Midlands and Bristol. 

A few weeks ago I mentioned Gatwick airport were looking at introducing a drop off fee for their customers. This has now been confirmed, and as suggested by so many prople, the fee will be a minimum of £5.00. 

I understand the reasons (and there are several), and the amount of revenue the airports have lost over the last year with the Covid 19 lockdowns is huge. When you hear of passenger numbers DOWN 90%, ofcourse they need to recoup some money (as do most businesses, regardless of their trade or service) 

 

Currently, only the North Terminal is open, and when the south reopens, the charge will also take effect there. From the 8th March, the charge will be £5.00 for 10 minutes, and then an additional £1.00 per minute up to a maximum of 10 minutes. Just like the rest of them !!! 

 

Interesting to see the airport trying to become green with the following statement :