George Thompson

Government ministers face pressure after peers in the House of Lords rejected the Civil Aviation Bill, forcing a review of rising airport drop‑off fees. Major airports including Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester charge motorists for terminal drop‑offs, prompting criticism from several Lords who argue the fees disproportionately affect families, older passengers and disabled travellers. Supporters of the review say passengers have no alternatives, while ministers maintain the fees are already subject to consumer and competition law. The Bill also seeks to expand government powers on aviation rules, passenger rights and airline penalties.