Belfast International Airport has started to charge £1 for dropping off and picking up passengers from the airport.

Despite criticism Belfast International Airport, based at Aldergrove has introduced the charge which is described by the Consumer Council as unacceptable, pointing to research that indicates that over half of all Northern Ireland air passengers get a lift or take a taxi to and from our airports and that using figures from 2009 this new charge would net the airport £2.3m a year.

The airport has indicated that motorists will only be allowed to use the new drop off zone for 10 minutes, anyone taking longer will have to park their vehicle, but many critics are concerned that this new charge will simply encourage passengers to get dropped off on the approach to the terminal. Local Assembly Members have criticised the latest charge accusing the airport of 'sticking the arm in'.

Editorial

Many passengers using Belfast International Airport will see this latest move as a money grabbing exercise. 

In our view the airport is indeed brave to take on passengers who are their bread and butter. Passengers who are now being offered improved and more convenient facilities at Belfast City Airport, all at a time when EasyJet is considering moving more flights there. With traveling trends putting some travel firms out of business, it would appear foolish to give the traveling public one more reason to stop using your facility.

Last Updated: 31st July 2010