The government has launched a 12-month investigation into the charges at UK airports, after it was revealed 16 of the UK’s 20 busiest airports had hiked their fees.

Chiefs at the city's airport say its drop-off charges, which increased to £8 for 20 minutes in June, are “an important source of income” as it faces “significant rising operational costs.”

Prior this, the charge had been £6 for 30 minutes.

Airport bosses say the drop-off charges is an "important source of income" (Image: Denise Bradley)

While it is not among the country's busiest airports, Norwich’s fees would have placed it in the top 10 most expensive.

A spokesman for the airport said: “We recognise that drop-off charges can be frustrating for passengers and we have sought to minimise passing on additional costs to customers.

“However, in the context of significant rising operational costs, drop-off charges are an important source of income for smaller regional airports in ensuring that we can continue to operate effectively and invest in the critical infrastructure and services our customers rely on.”

The amendment to the civil aviation bill by Keir Mather, aviation........

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