AIRPORT bosses have hit back at claims that Southend is one of the most expensive for a quick drop off at the terminal.

A recent study revealed that out of the 30 busiest airports in the county, Southend is the most expensive when it comes to a 10-minute drop off outside the terminal, costing £4.50.

But airport bosses, who claim Southend Airport is one of the cheapest in the UK for parking, where quick to point out the airport does offer five minutes free, and only charges £4.50 up to half an hour.

As a result, it is one of the cheapest for half hour stays of the 30 busiest airports, with Stansted charging £25 for half an hour, and Luton £23.

Kaitlin Palmer, 27, of Leigh, said: “Airport parking is, and probably always will be ridiculously expensive.

“I have flown from Southend a few times, including at the start of January, and have never thought it was any more expensive than some of the big London airports.

“When we were being collected my mum stayed for 25 minutes for pick up, she had a £.450 charge, which I don’t think is bad at all, but I wouldn’t necessarily be happy about paying that for just 10 minutes.”

Southend Airport also pointed out that people making drop offs get 15 minutes free parking in its ‘long stay three’ car park.

This car park is just five minutes away from the terminal – closer than Stansted’s short stay car park.

The airport offers a free five minute stay, and charges £4.50 for any stay from 10 minutes to 30 minutes.

A spokesman for Southend Airport said: “London Southend Airport offers 15 mins free for motorists dropping off and picking up passengers in its Long Stay 3 Car Park, which is just 4 minutes’ walk from the terminal front door.

“This makes us one of the cheapest in Britain.”