Posted on the 22nd May 2026 in PHTM News

EDINBURGH BLACK CAB UNION DEMANDS TERMINAL DROP OFF FEE EXEMPTION AFTER "OUTRAGEOUS" PRICE HIKE

The Edinburgh Black Cab Branch of Unite the Union is demanding that licensed taxis be completely exempt from terminal drop-off fees at Edinburgh Airport following a recent price hike.

On Monday, 18 May 2026, the fee to drop off passengers directly outside the main terminal building jumped from £6 to £8.50. While the amount drivers can claw back on the passenger meter is scheduled to rise to £7 on June 9, cabbies are currently left £1.50 out of pocket for every single airport trip.

The union has taken its fight directly to Edinburgh Airport management, the City of Edinburgh Council, and the Scottish Government. Representatives argue that black cabs are "a recognised and essential part of Scotland’s public transport network" and should be treated differently from private motorists.

Alongside the fee exemption, the union is requesting a 10-minute grace period inside the designated zones for legitimate passenger handling.

The union warned that the rising costs will directly harm vulnerable travellers who cannot easily use buses or trams. In a letter, the Unite branch secretary noted that the current fee setup "disproportionately affects elderly passengers, disabled passengers, families travelling with luggage, and those requiring transport during unsociable hours."

He added: "While Edinburgh Airport rightly promotes accessibility and assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility, increasing barrier charges place an additional burden on the very passengers most likely to depend upon taxis as their primary means of transport."

Local political leadership has thrown its weight behind the taxi drivers. Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, fiercely criticised the airport's decision, stating: “I am fully supportive of Unite the Union’s position and think the increased charge is both outrageous and unjustified. I would respectfully ask Edinburgh Airport to reconsider their decision to increase the fee so drastically.”

However, Edinburgh Airport management defended the price increase, blaming an unexpected £8 million surge in the facility's business rates. An airport spokesperson countered that taxi operators are simply acting out of their own financial interests, stating: “Taxi drivers faced the same choice as the airport - absorb additional costs or pass them on to customers.

They made the same difficult decision we did." The spokesperson added that the pass-through cost to travellers was "perhaps an unintended consequence of the assessor's decision," pointing out that a free 30-minute drop-off and pick-up area remains available with extra spaces.

The escalating dispute is now resting with higher authorities. A Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed receipt of the union's appeal, stating: “The Scottish Government is grateful for the engagement of Unite the Union on this important matter. We have received the letter, which will be considered and responded to in due course.”


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