Edinburgh Airport increases pick-up and drop-off fees by £1

The increased charge is still cheaper than most airports in London, Birmingham and Manchester, though more expensive than fees at Liverpool and Glasgow, which are £5 and £5.50 respectively.

A spokesman for the airport said the increase would ensure use of the area was “competitively priced against public transport”, which 37% of passengers already use.

He added the airport’s “surface access strategy” would aim to increase that number while reducing emissions caused by transport to and from the airport.

Ms Taylor said: “We want to make sure that people are making more sustainable choices when getting to and from the airport.

“The use of cars is the most polluting mode with four journeys for each passenger compared to just two when using public transport. We want more people to use the robust transport links, external we have as this both reduces emissions and congestion.”

She added that funds would be reinvested into the airport.

The RAC last year criticised increases in drop off charges, external, saying it had become “an annual ritual.”

Its head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “Many travellers will call on their friends or family to take them to the airport because of persistent industrial action on the rail network meaning that for many, being dropped off at the airport by car is the only reliable way to make their flight on-time.”

A free drop-off and pick-up area will also remain in operation around 10 minutes’ walk from the terminal.

The airport was taken over by French company Vinci last year.