Taxi and private hire drivers serving East Midlands Airport face a higher charge and a shorter stay in the terminal-side Rapid Drop Off area.
According to PHTM's report published on 30 September 2026, the airport introduced an £8 charge for 10 minutes on 29 September. The previous allowance was £5 for 15 minutes.
A bigger cost for a shorter stop
The change adds £3 to the basic charge, a 60% increase, while cutting the included time by five minutes. For drivers working repeated airport transfers, that makes checking the cost of each booking more important.
PHTM reports that the airport attributed the increase to inflation and said the fee had stayed unchanged for five years. It also linked the additional income to its £120 million investment programme.
Pay by midnight the following day
The airport's official guidance confirms that Rapid Drop Off uses a barrierless system. Payment is made after the visit, online or by calling 03452 221517, and must reach the operator by midnight the next day. There is no payment barrier on exit.
Missing the deadline can result in a £100 parking charge, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. Drivers can register for AutoPay for future visits, but remain responsible for keeping a valid payment method on their account.
What drivers should check before a transfer
- Confirm the airport fee: check whether the operator or booking platform includes it in the offered fare or reimburses it separately.
- Explain any extra charge: agree how the airport cost is handled before the journey, in line with the booking terms.
- Keep payment evidence: retain a receipt or confirmation and check that an automatic payment has completed.
- Choose the right parking option: check the airport's current signs and published guidance if you need more time to help a passenger.
The airport lists free parking for Blue Badge holders in Short Stay 1 for up to 30 minutes, and Long Stay 2 for up to 60 minutes. Drivers should check the conditions before relying on an exemption.
Fare101 driver perspective: when assessing an airport job, consider the fare alongside the airport charge, journey distance and time. Agreeing who covers the charge helps you understand the amount left from the booking.
Sources and references
This article is an original Fare101 summary, based on PHTM: East Midlands Airport raises Rapid Drop Off fees for drivers (30 September 2026), with payment and accessibility information checked against East Midlands Airport's official Pick Up & Drop Off guidance on 11 October 2026. Follow current on-site signs and airport guidance for your visit.