East Midlands Airport has raised its rapid drop-off charge for anyone setting down passengers straight outside the terminal, including taxi and private hire drivers.
From 3pm on Tuesday 29 September 2026 the tariff moved from £5 for 15 minutes to £8 for up to 10 minutes.
Why the airport put it up
EMA said the fee had been unchanged for five years and was still among the lowest drop-off charges at UK airports. It blamed significant inflationary pressures and ongoing investment needs.
Revenue from parking and other fees is tied to a £120 million investment programme at the Castle Donington site. The airport says it is halfway through that programme, covering security, terminal and airfield upgrades.
It also argued that charging the kerbside drop-off helps manage congestion and brings EMA into line with other UK airports.
How payment works
The rapid drop-off zone is barrier-free and uses automatic number plate recognition. Drivers do not pay on the way out.
Payment must be made by midnight on the day after the visit, online, by phone, or through an AutoPay account. Miss that deadline and a £100 parking charge follows, cut to £60 if paid within 14 days.
The airport switched the zone to ANPR in 2025 to improve traffic flow after removing barriers.
Cheaper options for drivers
Free drop-off and pick-up for up to 60 minutes remains available in the long-stay car park, about a ten-minute walk from the terminal.
Blue Badge holders can still use designated bays in Short Stay 1 close to the terminal, with free parking for the first 30 minutes there.
EMA also points to 24-hour bus links from Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and nearby areas for passengers who do not need a car to the door.
Drivers comparing airport charges can check TaxiFeed’s pick-up and drop-off fees page: Airport fees