Ryanair defies airline rivals to back Edinburgh airport drop-off charge

Published on Sunday 4 July 2010 14:56

IT HAS been a hugely controversial decision that has attracted criticism from both passengers and airlines. But the announcement by Edinburgh airport of plans to charge passengers £1 to be dropped off by car at the terminal has gained support from budget airline Ryanair.

The "no-frills" company – which recently announced plans to charge passengers 1 to use in-flight toilets and already charges customers to check in luggage, online check-in, onboard snacks and credit card payments – said it had "absolutely no problem" with the fee.

A Ryanair spokesman said yesterday: "We have absolutely no problem with it. The current drop area was abused and often resembled a car park. There will be a free drop-off area, while drivers who pay will be able to drop off without any delay."

However, it appears the Irish airline is in the minority as the announcement has been heavily criticised by many other airlines. EasyJet, one of the airport's biggest carriers, accused owner BAA of double-charging, and BMI said the fee could hamper attempts to boost numbers of passengers.

EasyJet said passengers paid airport taxes for such services as part of their tickets. A spokesman for the airline said: "It seems to us to be double charging. Passengers already pay for using airport facilities in the price of their air fare. The 1 charge is another way for the airport to raise their revenues."

A BMI spokesman said: "Everyone should be encouraging people to travel and not adding additional charges. There is a danger this measure will not stimulate extra air traffic."

Age Scotland, the former Age Concern and Help the Aged, said some older passengers would suffer. Spokesman Lindsay Scott said: "It's going to be an extra inconvenience for a lot of older people.

"Quite a lot of older people are not as mobile as younger ones, and not able to lug around huge amounts of luggage."

Airport chiefs plan to introduce the charge from October to pay for an enlarged drop-off area, which is being moved to the ground floor of the multi-storey car park.

The 1 million a year which is expected to be raised would also fund an overhaul of the terminal's road layout, including extra security measures.

BAA said the move would cut emissions, and hopes it will increase public transport use.

However, it has yet to decide whether the charge would cover non-airport taxis. Airport taxis will be exempt.

Edinburgh would be the first airport in Scotland to introduce such a charge, with a similar drop-off area at Glasgow airport being free. However, Birmingham, Luton and Newcastle airports have introduced charges.

The charge has already been opposed by several MSPs, councillors and hoteliers but it has received backing from Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

Edinburgh airport said the free drop-off area would be created at the long-stay car park near the Hilton hotel, served by buses every five minutes.

A spokesman added that a free drop-off area for disabled passengers would remain in the short-stay car park. There will also be drop-off bays for blue-badge holders in the new zone, but such drivers would have to pay the 1 charge.

Airport managing director Gordon Dewar said: "We have been very clear in the reasons behind our decision to introduce this charge. It allows us to be as commercial as possible with our airline customers whilst investing in a better airport for their passengers. It should be remembered that a free drop-off area remains for those passengers who do not wish to pay."