Bristol Tops UK's Costliest Airports This Summer

Hidden Costs of Airport Travel

Booking a holiday involves more than just the cost of flights and accommodation. There are numerous hidden expenses that travelers often overlook, such as travel insurance, baggage fees, seat selection charges, and tourist taxes. However, one of the most frustrating aspects is the additional costs incurred at the airport itself.

Over the past year, airports across the UK have been increasing their fees, from higher drop-off charges to the rising price of pre-flight drinks. In fact, today, the most expensive airport in the UK has been identified as Bristol.

Bristol Airport: The Most Expensive in the UK

Bristol Airport has been named the UK’s most expensive airport, just in time for the peak summer season. A new study by idealo analyzed the secondary costs across major UK airports and found that Bristol passengers can expect a minimum drop-off charge of £8.50, an increase of £1.50 since January. Additionally, parking for seven days costs around £110.

If you're looking to relax in a business class lounge, access will cost you £48.99, among the highest in the ranking. Prices inside the airport aren't much cheaper either, with a pint of lager coming in at £7.53—considered a holiday rite of passage for many Brits.

Why Is Bristol Airport So Expensive?

In 2023, the High Court ruled that Bristol Airport could expand its capacity from 10 million to 12 million passengers annually. The airport claims that a £400 million investment will create 1,000 on-site jobs and an additional 36,000 jobs in the wider area.

The expansion plans include a longer runway to accommodate long-haul flights to North America and the Middle East, as well as an increase in annual flights from 85,990 to 100,000. Inside the airport, there will be a larger terminal with more restaurants and shops, additional car parking, improved public transport, and even a hidden speakeasy.

Despite North Somerset Council rejecting the plans in 2020 due to environmental concerns, a recent YouGov poll found that 44% of people in the West of England support the expansion, while only 24% oppose it.

Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol Airport, stated: “It’s great to see such strong support for our plans from across our region. This polling shows that people want to travel from their local airport and value connections—whether they’re traveling for business, leisure, or reuniting with loved ones abroad. Our proposals would directly connect our region with new destinations and boost the economy, creating 1,000 on-site jobs for local people.”

Other Airports Increasing Fees

Bristol isn’t the only airport raising its fees. Edinburgh Airport has also followed suit. The Scottish hub announced that drop-off fees for drivers dropping off or picking up passengers would now cost £8.50, a 42% increase. Gordon Dewar, CEO of Edinburgh Airport, explained that the fee increase was necessary due to soaring business rates. The extra drop-off charge aims to help cover an additional £8m business rates bill recently imposed on the terminal.

However, despite this increase, Edinburgh remains the most affordable airport in the UK. According to the study, a seven-day parking stay costs just £39.99, while lounge access is £40. The average price of a pint is £6.55.

Top 5 Most Expensive Airports in the UK

Here are the UK's five most expensive airports based on their drop-off fees:

Bristol International Airport: £8.50
London City Airport: £8
Luton Airport: £7
Newcastle Airport: £5
Liverpool John Lennon Airport: £6

Other Notable Airports

Edinburgh is followed by Aberdeen Airport, Gatwick Airport, Manchester Airport (which was recently ranked the worst UK airport for delays, according to the Civil Aviation Authority), and Glasgow Airport.

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