Aberdeen Airport Doubles Drop-off Charge Amid Near 15% Drop in Passenger Numbers
Aberdeen Airport to charge passengers double
The airport said nearly 245,000 passengers travelled through its doors in March – a fall of 14.1% compared with the same period last year.
Domestic traffic was down 19.1%, with international traffic showing a slight dip of 1.7%.
The March figures covered the Easter period, unlike last year when the festive period fell in April. The latest traffic figures are in sharp contrast to the performance of Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, both of which reported their busiest March on record.
Reacting to the March figures, Aberdeen Airport managing director Carol Benzie said: “Given the performance of the wider economy we fully expected a challenging start to the year, however, we have continued to work hard on providing passengers with more choice by securing new routes and I remain encouraged by our international traffic.
“There is a real opportunity for leisure capacity in Aberdeen and airlines such as Icelandair and Wizz Air have already demonstrated their confidence in the market with launch of important new routes.
“Both Thomson and Flybe will follow suit in the coming months during which time we will make real progress on our £20m investment programme.”
Construction of a two-storey extension to the south of the existing terminal building is due to start in May.
The news comes at the same time as the airport has announced they are doubling the charge to drop passengers off. Last year the airport launched a £1 charge to enter the drop off zone. As of today that charge has increased to £2 but the length of stay in the drop off zone has increased from 10 to 15 minutes as part of the new move.
It means drivers will face a £30 fine if they outstay their 15-minute welcome in the barriered zone at the busy terminal.
An airport spokesperson said: “Customers can now park in the short-stay car park for 20 minutes at the same price and a free drop-off area is still available in the long-stay car park.
“Importantly, there will be no change for blue badge holders.
“Those with a valid badge are still entitled to a free 30-minute period in the clearly marked blue badge spaces within the short-stay car park, which are the closest spaces to the terminal.”
