Bristol Airport has announced significant increases to its short-term parking charges, directly attributing the move to financial pressures arising from the Chancellor's Autumn Budget.
Budget Impact Drives Price Rises
The South West transport hub confirmed that new tariffs will take effect from Monday, 5 January 2026. The airport stated that its business rates bill has more than doubled following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' November Budget, becoming its largest non-operational expense. Consequently, some of this cost will be passed on to consumers.
The quick 'drop off and pick up' car park, located closest to the terminal, will see its 10-minute fee rise from £7 to £8.50. Similarly, the short-stay car park will increase from £7 to £8.50 for 15 minutes, and from £9 to £10.50 for stays between 15 and 30 minutes.
A Strategy to Reduce Car Journeys
The airport emphasised that the decision was not taken lightly, but is part of a broader strategy to manage traffic and meet environmental goals. A key aim of the price increase is to actively discourage the high volume of drop-off and pick-up trips, which generate double the car journeys compared to using public transport or longer-stay parking.
"Drop off and pick up is the highest generator of car traffic," a spokesperson explained, noting it creates four journeys per passenger compared to two for other methods. The move supports the airport's commitment to improving passenger journeys and advancing its decarbonisation plans to achieve net zero operations by 2030.
Alternatives and Exemptions
Passengers are encouraged to use public transport alternatives. The airport has invested £60 million in a new Public Transport Interchange, which opened in July 2025, and a fleet of 21 new electric buses for its Airport Flyer services to Bristol and Weston-super-Mare.
A free alternative remains available: a waiting zone with a complimentary shuttle bus to the terminal every 15 minutes, allowing for pick-ups and drop-offs of up to one hour at no cost.
Blue Badge holders will continue to receive an extended 40-minute stay in the 'drop off and pick up' area, though the charge will also rise to the new rate of £8.50. The airport reminded users that their Blue Badge must still be scanned at the exit barrier.
