Drivers using Cardiff Airport’s terminal drop off zone will now pay more after updated charges came into effect from 1 July 2026.
The airport has increased the cost of using its dedicated terminal drop off and pick up area to £4.50 for up to 10 minutes. The charge then increases by £4.50 for every additional 10 minutes.
Previously, the cost was £3 for the first 10 minutes and an additional £3 per 10 minutes thereafter. Despite the cost increase, Cardiff Airport’s drop off fees are still one of the most competitvely priced in the UK.
The drop off zone is located directly outside the terminal, providing the closest access for passengers.
For those looking to avoid the higher charge, Car Park 2 continues to offer free parking for up to 20 minutes and is just a short walk from the terminal building.
Drivers staying longer in Car Park 2 will now pay:
- 20 to 40 minutes: £6
- 40 to 60 minutes: £8
- 1 to 2 hours: £10
Cardiff Airport has also highlighted the support available for passengers with reduced mobility. Dedicated parking spaces are available in both Car Park 1 and Car Park 2, with help buttons located at all entry and exit barriers. Special assistance call points are also available throughout the car parks, while ramp access is provided from Car Park 1 to the main terminal.
The pricing changes come as Cardiff Airport celebrates welcoming more than one million passengers over the past 12 months, marking a significant milestone in its continued recovery and growth.
Recent figures from the Civil Aviation Authority also named Cardiff Airport as the second fastest growing airport in the UK, with passenger numbers rising by 24% during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
The airport says the growth has been driven by increasing demand for flights from Wales, with new and existing airline partners expanding their services to offer passengers more destinations, additional capacity and competitive fares.
