AIRPORT AILMENTS
BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT PRIVATE HIRE DRIVERS SLAM FILTHY TOILETS AND DIRE CONDITIONS
The GMB union has launched a scathing attack on Birmingham Airport, describing the facilities provided for taxi drivers as an “absolute disgrace.” The union is demanding immediate improve- ments to
the “unacceptable”
conditions workers face while waiting for passengers. A recent survey of drivers revealed a list of grievances, including bathroom facilities described as being "caked in grime and waste." Drivers also hit out at the lack of proper waiting areas, noting that they are forced to pay hourly rates to wait in a multi-story car park. The union further highlighted a lack of space for religious observance,
stating that during Ramadan, some drivers were left with no choice but to “observe their prayers on the cold, wet and dirty floor of a car park.” Technical failures have also caused financial stress, after an NCP parking error at the airport left PH driver Ian Cook with an incorrect bill of nearly £2,000, which was automatically taken from his bank account. The cash was not returned for six days. GMB organiser Kate Gorton criticised the airport’s standards, stating: “This is one of the UK’s busiest airports who seem totally unable to provide even the most basic waiting areas or facilities for the drivers to keep the airport moving.”
She questioned why Birmingham members are being “asked to use filthy bathrooms and pay for the privilege” when other UK airports manage to provide basic amenities. She added: “We’re calling on PH drivers in and around Birmingham Airport to join us and get involved with the campaign to deliver the services our members deserve”. Meanwhile, Birmingham Airport has increased the express drop off charge from £6 to £7. The increase has sparked a significant backlash on Facebook, with users labelling it “disgusting,” “profiteering,” and “daylight robbery”
While the
airport cites “congestion” and benchmarking for the price hike
CABBIES HIT OUT AT EXTORTIONATE NEW £10 STANSTED DROP-OFF FEE
Taxi drivers are accusing London Stansted Airport of “pure greed” following a sharp 40% increase in drop-off charges. On 19 March, the cost for stopping outside the terminal for less than 15 minutes jumped from £7 to £10. The fee, which did not exist before 2012, has risen steadily as the airport has grown into the UK’s fourth busiest. Drivers feel they are being unfairly targeted by the price hike. Neil Godfrey, who runs a transfer business, described the new cost as “extortionate” and fears he may have to cut his fleet or raise fares. “We’re lucky if we can make £20 off this journey now, which isn’t a lot of money really,” Godfrey said, noting that high fuel and staff costs are already hurting his margins.
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He is worried that travellers will stop using taxis altogether, adding: “People are starting to think it’s cheaper to park at the airport and in our eyes that’s not good because we could lose business.” While the airport recently installed a new camera-based system to speed up traffic, some drivers aren’t buying the official explanation for the price rise. Cabbie Paul Eve admitted the new tech has reduced queues but called the congestion argument a “rubbish excuse.” He claimed: “It’s pure greed because we’re sitting ducks. I suppose they’re thinking if people can afford a holiday, they can afford a few more quid at the drop-off.” The airport is currently undergoing
a £1.1bn expansion and is under pressure to ensure half of its passengers use public transport. A spokesperson for Stansted defended the fees, stating they “make an important contribution to encouraging alternative, more sustainable transport options” and help reduce “kiss and fly” car trips. However, many taxi drivers argue that passengers expect a door-to- door service that public transport cannot always provide. Afzaal Nasir, a driver from Chelmsford, highlighted the safety aspect of his job. “When it comes to dropping off the customer, it comes with a responsibility as well,” he said. “We can’t just drop them anywhere, we have to drop them off some- where nearby and somewhere safe.”
MAY 2026 PHTM
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