Edinburgh Airport to increase pick-up and drop-off charges in bid to encourage visitors to use public transport

Edinburgh Airport’s pick-up and drop-off charges are set to increase to encourage visitors to use public transport.

From next week, the cost to use the pick-up and drop-off area will rise to £6 for the first ten minutes.

Bosses have said that a higher number of people using public transport facilities, currently 37%, will reduce the emissions caused by transport to and from the airport.

They have said that revenue raised from the price increase will be used to improve passenger experience, grow connectivity, and invest in the airport’s infrastructure.

The new price is set to come into force on January 13.

The airport will continue to operate a free drop-off and pick-up area, which has recently been upgraded and moved closer to the terminal, while local residents and users of electric cars will still qualify for a 50% discount for the first ten minutes.

Gail Taylor, chief commercial officer (XAero) at Edinburgh Airport said: “We have just had a record year for passengers at Edinburgh Airport and that number is likely to grow year-on-year, and we want to make sure that people are making more sustainable choices when getting to and from the airport.

“The use of cars is the most polluting mode with four journeys for each passenger compared to just two when using public transport. We want more people to use the robust transport links we have as this both reduces emissions and congestion.

“We have a number of large capacity projects planned over the next few years, and reinvestment back into the airport infrastructure will improve the overall experience for passengers.”