Edinburgh Airport has announced the modification of its terminal drop-off area to serve increased passenger numbers, enhance service and to make it easier for drivers, while alleviating congestion.
The changes are introduced as the airport continually seeks feedback from customers, with feedback that taxis using the drop-off zone to wait for pick-ups are causing congestion.
As part of the changes that are being implemented through the summer, the drop-off area has been reconfigured to cut down on queues, maintain the availability of blue badge spaces and encourage better traffic flow.
A new separate pick-up zone has been created next to the drop-off area. A separate entrance and exit to the pick-up zone will make it easier for vehicles to come and go without having to drive towards the terminal around the main airport approach road, the airport said.
Additionally, to lessen congestion in the drop-off area, the time bands on charges have been changed so that drivers do not stay longer. From September 01, drivers who spend between five and 10 minutes in the drop-off area will be charged £3. The £1 charge remains for the majority of drivers who pass through in five minutes or less.
The airport added that the free drop-off area in the airport’s long stay car park will remain available for those who don’t wish to pay the £1 charge. Also, blue badge holders will be unaffected by the new charging regime.
Richard Townsend, Head of Retail and Property at Edinburgh Airport, said: ‘At Edinburgh Airport we work hard to make sure that we’re developing our services and facilities to meet the expectations of our passengers and airlines.
‘These changes are necessary to make sure that, as our airport continues to grow, we offer our customers a convenient, efficient pick-up and drop-off experience.
‘A free drop-off zone will still be available but the one million vehicles which use the drop-off area on a yearly basis show that people still want to use this facility.’
In June, 87 percent of passengers that used the drop-off area passed through in 3.5 minutes, the airport noted.
