Anger over airport's new pick-up and drop-off fee

Airport bosses have been criticised for "rip-off charges" for drivers stopping in a new drop-off and pick-up lane.

Southend Airport in Essex is to introduce the service from March, charging £8 for 10 minutes.

The airport said it would mean a "faster, more convenient option" for passengers, but residents and councillors have slammed the decision.

The airport said its fees were in line with other UK airports.

Announcing the construction of the express lane on social media saw almost 200 comments from residents criticising the decision.

Liberal Democrat councillor James Newport, the former leader of Rochford District Council, also hit out at the airport.

"I raised this issue with our members who represent the council on the Southend consultative committee regarding these rip-off charges as soon as I was made aware," he said.

"It's not acceptable that the airport should be trying to fleece not only our residents but also local taxi drivers who are also impacted by these charges."

The airport has been recovering after the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw Ryanair close its base there in November 2021.

EasyJet withdrew from Southend in August 2020 but resumed a new three-aircraft base at the airport in March 2025.

A total of 720,000 passengers passed through the terminal last year, making it the busiest year for the airport since 2019, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A spokesman for Southend Airport said: "Our existing paid pick-up and drop-off parking facility successfully operates and is in line with arrangements at other airports across the UK.

"In March, we are launching an improved and more convenient express lane as well as doubling the dwell time available to passengers.

"As a privately owned airport, London Southend must generate its own revenue to operate and continue to support our airline partners, maintain operations and reinvest in facilities to improve our easy, speedy, friendly experience for passengers, across Essex, London and East Anglia."

The airport is owned by Esken Limited, formerly known as the Stobart Group, and the US private equity giant Carlyle.

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