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Drop-off charges to increase at Belfast airport

Getty Images Two people are standing in an airport holding suitcases with bags sitting in top. Getty Images
The price for drivers collecting or dropping off passengers in a designated zone will go up to £5 from Monday

Belfast International Airport is to increase the charge in its drop-off zone from £3 to £5.

The price change for people collecting or dropping off passengers in that area, which is next to the terminal building, will come into effect from Monday 9 March.

In a statement, the airport said: "The new pricing reflects significant cost pressures that many businesses across Northern Ireland are currently facing."

Drivers can use the drop-off zone for up to 10 minutes. A free drop-off and pick-up point exists within the long-stay car park where you can wait for 15 minutes before being charged.

Blue badge holders who are getting dropped off or collected can continue to receive 30 minutes free of charge in the short stay car park, it said.

They said they are "committed to transforming the airport" and are progressing with a "£100m investment programme that has already delivered a new terminal extension, security hall and enhanced duty-free experience."

"Further improvements to the exterior forecourt layout will commence shortly to support traffic flow and public transport access," they added.

'Ridiculous amount of money'

Charlotte Mawhinney is standing outside an airport. Cars are driving past. Her blond hair is curly. She's wearing a brown top and coat.
Charlotte Mawhinney said she was "flabbergasted" when she heard about the price increase

Charlotte Mawhinney's daughter is studying in Liverpool, so she's at the airport four or five times a year.

She said she was "flabbergasted" when she heard that the prices were increasing.

"Even £3 is a ridiculous amount to have to pay for 10 minutes," she said.

She added: "If it's something that we can see, and I know there are improvements being made all the time, maybe it's worth it", but she said she's not the only one who would find it "annoying".

'Get the bus'

Another person at the airport said he's back and forth to Manchester.

"We're not the most expensive [airport], but then we wouldn't be as big as Manchester, and a lot better, with more facilities in it."

He added that people would park elsewhere to drop passengers off.

He said next time he's picking someone up he'd "meet them somewhere else" or tell them to "get the bus".

What is the charge at other airports?

Cardiff Airport - £3 for 10 minutes

Belfast City Airport - £4 for 10 minutes

Manchester Airport - £5 for five minutes

Liverpool Airport - £6 for 10 minutes

Glasgow Airport - £7 for 15 minutes

Leeds Bradford - £8 for 10 minutes

Dublin Airport - Free