Gatwick Airport Confirm New Charges
Posted on 18th February 2021 at 15:09
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 :
“The initiative will help to reduce traffic congestion and emissions for the surrounding area as well as being a deterrent for a car-led recovery once more regular travel resumes post the Covid-19 national lockdown,”
I found it very interesting that no mention was made of exempt fees for electric or hybrid vehicles dropping off (so much for encouraging the green drive)
But then said :
“The charge will also create a vital new revenue stream for the airport, providing further protection for local jobs as the negative economic impacts of the pandemic continue.”
Anyone who does not wish to pay the charge will be able to drop-off or pick-up passengers in the airport’s long-stay car parks, with a free shuttle bus to the terminal.
Gatwick’s chief commercial officer, Jonathan Pollard, said: “It is no secret that the airport is going through the most difficult period in its history and we have little choice but to explore new revenue streams that will us help us recover from the Covid-19 crisis and continue as an important provider of economic prosperity and jobs across the region.”
To ensure drivers do not drop off on the approach roads, Gatwick is setting up a “Red Route” system, similar to Luton airport and others, with stopping and loading or unloading of goods (or passengers !!!) prohibited.
So, hopefully with the return of some sort of international travel getting closer, in fairness to the airports they have to see some revenue coming in from other sources. But like most large companies and organisations, it’s the customer that will help pay towards it…
Hope to see you soon !
Stay safe
PPTmk
Tagged as: Gatwick Airport
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