Belfast International Airport ups drop-off and pick up charge to £3

LOCALS and tourists alike have been left fuming after Belfast International Airport announced it would be raising the pick-up and drop-off charge from £1 to £3.

The airport announced last week: “We would like to make our passengers aware of some changes that will affect those dropping off and collecting passengers from Monday 17th April.

“We will continue to offer 15 minutes free of charge in the Long Stay Car Park

“Blue Badge holders can use the Short Stay Car Park free of charge for 30 minutes at Belfast International Airport for getting dropped off or collected.

“The Drop Off Zone will increase to £3 for up to 10 minutes.”

Ulster Unionist Councillor Paul Michael reacted to the news that the drop off fee at the International Airport is to increase from £1 to £3 with surprise.

He said that it is ‘imperative’ that the authorities continue to push for the reopening of the Antrim to Lisburn rail line and the development of a halt at the airport which he said would mean a considerable decrease in vehicle usage on the airport site.

“I look forward to meeting with the airport management in the near future to discuss these plans.” he said.

The news came as rival facility Belfast City Airport introduced the same fee last month for vehicles using the new express drop off.

They said at the time they hoped the reconfiguration would ensure improved traffic flow and access on site, and provides more choice for motorists when parking or picking up/dropping off passengers at the airport.

It previously cost £1 for 10 minutes in the drop off zone at both airports.

For blue badge holders to avail of the 30 minutes grace period in the short stay car park at Belfast International, they must produce their blue badge to a car park team member by either by visiting the office or alternatively pressing the help button on the machines.

After 30 minutes regular charges will apply.

All passengers can enjoy a 15 minute grace period in the Long Stay Car Park, which is situated behind the Maldron Hotel after which regular charges will apply.

However this area is a longer walk to the terminal.

Also from Monday, a minimum charge of £4 will apply in the Main Car Park where it previously cost £2.50 for up to 30 minutes or £4 for 30-60 minutes.

Local people also reacted with shock.

Local man Chris Burns said: “It’s greed after seeing Belfast City implement the same charge recently.

“Where does the money go because it doesn’t appear reinvested into the airport, due to how dated it is?”

Others have warned of traffic chaos, predicting that people will park recklessly on the roads around the airport or use the car park of the nearby service station.

It is currently officially forbidden to enter or exit the airport on foot.

Some have defended the increase, saying that many airports in Britain charge much more for short stops.