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Written question asked by Alison Taylor (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. It was answered by Keir Mather (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Airports: Fees and Charges

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will hold discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority on airport owners increasing (a) airport and (b) drop-off charges above the cost of inflation.

Answer

The Department does not intend to hold discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on these matters.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has concurrent powers with the CMA to enforce the prohibitions in the Competition Act 1998 as they relate to airport operation services and the supply of air traffic services.

In relation to drop-off charges, in 2016, the CAA published a review of market conditions for surface access at UK airports. This concluded that there was insufficient evidence that passengers were not being well-served by the current market structure of surface access charges, where these are decided and managed by the airport operator, to warrant a review.

Although the Government and the CAA do not regulate airport car parking charges, including drop-off charges, the Department expects car parking at airports to be managed appropriately and for consumers to be treated fairly. Many UK airports offer free drop-off alternatives either a short walk from the airport or provide free shuttle bus services.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
5571
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Airports Fees and charges
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk