Airport Parking Tickets: Your Rights at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and UK Airports
Parking charges at UK airports: POFA 2012, drop-off fees, major operators, and how to appeal. Your rights on relevant land.
Airport parking tickets are issued on "relevant land" under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (POFA). The same rules apply as for other private parking: the operator must have clear signage, serve a Notice to Keeper within 14 days to pursue the keeper, and follow the BPA or IPC code. Drop-off and pick-up charges at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and other UK airports are common; if you breach the terms (e.g. overstay the free period or fail to pay the fee), you can receive a Parking Charge Notice. You can appeal to the operator and then to POPLA or IAS. Grounds include inadequate signage, late notice, grace periods, and errors in the operator’s evidence.
This guide explains your rights when you receive an airport parking ticket in 2026, including drop-off charges and appeal routes.
Are Airport Car Parks Covered by POFA 2012?
Yes. Airport car parks are "relevant land" under POFA Schedule 4. The operator can pursue the registered keeper only if they serve a Notice to Keeper within 14 days of the parking event and meet the other conditions. If the notice is late or defective, keeper liability does not apply. The operator must also have compliant signage and, if they are BPA members, allow the required grace periods. See [private parking appeal](/blog/how-to-appeal-private-parking-ticket-2026-popla-ias) for the full framework.
What About Drop-Off and Pick-Up Charges?
Many airports charge for drop-off and pick-up in designated zones. The charge and time limit are set out on signs. If you overstay or do not pay, you can receive a PCN. The same appeal grounds apply: were the signs clear? Was the Notice to Keeper sent in time? Did the operator allow a grace period? Photograph the signs and note the time you entered and left. If the charge is disproportionate (e.g. a few minutes overstay and a high charge), you can argue that as well.
Who Operates Airport Car Parks?
Major operators at UK airports include APCOA, NCP, and airport-owned or contracted operators. Each must comply with the BPA or IPC code and POFA. The appeal process is the same: appeal to the operator first, then to POPLA (BPA) or IAS (IPC) if rejected. Check the notice for the operator name and the appeal body.
What Evidence Should I Gather?
Take photos of all signage at the entrance and where you parked. Note the time you entered and left. Keep any payment receipt or confirmation. If you believe the ANPR is wrong (e.g. it did not record your exit), request the images from the operator. For [POPLA appeals](/blog/popla-appeal-how-it-works-success-rates-2026), you need to show a breach of the code or POFA – late notice, unclear signs, or no grace period are the most common.
Can I Appeal If I Was Only Picking Someone Up?
Yes. If you were within the stated free period or paid the fee and the operator has got it wrong, appeal with your evidence. If you overstayed, you can still appeal on signage, notice timing, or proportionality. Being "only picking up" is not in itself a legal defence, but if the signs did not make the terms clear or the notice was late, you have grounds.
GL Appeal can generate a personalised appeal letter for your case in minutes. Upload or describe your ticket at appeal.golitigo.ai and get your appeal started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are airport drop-off charges legal?
Yes. Airports and their operators can set charges for using drop-off and pick-up zones. The terms must be clearly signed. If they are not, you can appeal.
Do I have to pay an airport parking ticket?
It is a civil matter. If you do not pay, the operator may pursue you through debt collection or the courts. If you have grounds to appeal, appeal first. If you lose and still do not pay, see [what happens if you ignore a parking ticket](/blog/what-happens-if-you-ignore-parking-ticket).
Which appeal body do I use for airport parking?
It depends on the operator. BPA members use POPLA; IPC members use IAS. The notice will state which scheme applies.
Can I appeal if I paid but still got a ticket?
Yes. If you paid and have proof (receipt, confirmation), include it in your appeal. System errors and misread number plates are common grounds.
How long do I have to appeal an airport parking ticket?
You typically have 28 days to appeal to the operator. If they reject you, you then have 28 days from the rejection to refer the case to POPLA or IAS, using the code on the rejection letter.
Are airport car parks the same as private car parks for appeals?
Yes. Airport car parks are "relevant land" under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, Schedule 4. The same POFA 2012 and BPA/IPC code rules apply, including the 14-day Notice to Keeper requirement.
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