Southampton Airport has seen its price for dropping off passengers increase the most in the UK in the last year.

This was revealed following an investigation by the RAC into what the costs were for this practice at major airports around the UK.

Eight of the 21 airports analysed have raised or introduced charges for dropping off passengers since August 2022, it found.

Along with Belfast City, Southampton Airport saw the biggest increase in the time period analysed by the motoring services company.

Southampton has raised its fee from £4 to £6 for 20 minutes, whilst Belfast City also hiked its price by £2 from £1 to £3 for 10 minutes.

Southampton Airport drop-off not the most expensive in the UK

Despite raising its price, Southampton Airport is not the most expensive in the UK, with Stansted Airport charging £7 for 15 minutes.

Aberdeen, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford and Liverpool John Lennon airports have added £1 to their fees.

Meanwhile, Cardiff, Inverness and London City were the only airports analysed which allow free drop-offs outside terminals.

Southampton Airport's website mentions the Express Drop-off option costing £6 for 20 minutes.

It also adds: "Passengers with electric vehicles will be able to access the pick-up and drop-off facility directly opposite the terminal free of charge for the first 20 minutes. Electric vehicle users must pre-register for free access for the first 20 minutes here."

Jo Rhodes, deputy editor of consumer magazine Which? Travel, said in response to the analysis: “Travellers will be painfully aware of the spiralling costs of dropping a loved one at the airport.

“These latest figures come as a stark reminder that holiday budgets are being stretched at every turn, with higher hotel and flight prices already making a getaway unaffordable for many.”

The RAC also warned that drivers should “brace themselves” for record high fees.