Fees charged to motorists by Belfast International Airport (BIA) for dropping off and picking up passengers are “unfair” and “unacceptable,” according to the Consumer Council.

The watchdog’s comments come after BIA’s announcement that the £1 charge for motorists using its newly created drop-off and pick-up zone will come into force on 7 July.

Aodhan O’Donnell, the council’s director of policy, suggested that the toll would be unwelcome news for many travellers.

He commented: “Our research shows that over half of all Northern Ireland air passengers get a lift from a family member or friend or take a taxi to and from the airport.”

Mr O’Donnell expressed concerns that the charge might “hinder rather than help airport congestion,” with many drivers opting to drop off passengers just outside the designated zone to avoid the fee.

BIA has justified the charge by saying that substantial investment has gone into the new drop-off area, which was created in response to UK government airport security guidelines stating that the distance between main airport buildings and vehicle zones must increase.

The guidelines came in the wake of the failed 2007 Glasgow Airport bombing where a vehicle was used in an attempted attack on the airport terminal.

Belfast International is not the first airport to consider such a fee. Edinburgh Airport has also introduced a ÂŁ1 drop-off charge recently which met similar controversy, while Luton Airport scrapped plans for its own after mounting pressure from the public and passenger watchdogs.

Š Cheapflights Ltd

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