Edinburgh Airport said it is hiking its drop off charges “to combat increased congestion on the main road into the airport … as plans for a new access road move forward.”
Edinburgh Airport is owned by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which also owns Gatwick Airport and the Port of Melbourne.
The new drop off charge is £2 for up to five minutes, £4 for five to 10 minutes, and £10 for 10-15 mins.
“The airport is working with City of Edinburgh Council on a long-term solution to growing congestion problems on Eastfield Road by proposing to build a new access road to the airport,” said Edinburgh Airport.
“The airport anticipates funding the majority of what is expected to be a £10 million project with additional revenue from the drop off increase contributing to the funding.
“The increase will commence from Thursday 8 November and is expected to reduce the number of cars using the current access road by 480,000 in 2019.
Edinburgh Airport CEO Gordon Dewar said: “I appreciate the increase will not be welcome news for all but I’m sure most will realise the need for action to combat the congestion we currently experience not only in the summer but throughout the year.
“We are committed to working with the council and other partners to ensure that existing and new infrastructure is fit for purpose and will continue to make informed decisions to alleviate congestion now and in the coming months leading up to the peak summer period.”
Lothian’s Commercial Director, Nigel Serafini said: “As Edinburgh Airport expands and customer demand on our airport services grow, we will continue to work in close collaboration with the airport to ensure our services offer direct, reliable, value for money, convenient airport connections.
“Our partnership and expansion in service provides easily accessible citywide vital transport links to and from the airport.
“Feedback from customers has been extremely positive and we look forward to working with the airport on developments which further enhance the experience for our customers.”