New research based on the booking data from Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) has revealed holidaymakers are paying less for airport parking in 2026 than a year ago despite higher demand, as British travellers increasingly book ahead, compare prices and seek out the best deals.
Travellers heading abroad this autumn could benefit from airport parking that is cheaper than a year ago, according to new analysis from independent airport parking specialist Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com).
Analysis of around 1 million customer bookings has revealed that average daily airport parking rates actually paid in 2026 have been lower than 2025 for five consecutive months between April – August 2026. Prices fell by as much as 5.6% during the peak summer travel period, delivering welcome savings for holidaymakers planning autumn and winter getaways.
The average daily parking rate* paid by travellers using 19 UK airports fell from £10.58 to £10.00 in June (-5.6%) and from £10.28 to £9.73 in July (-5.4%), demonstrating that travellers paid significantly less for airport parking during one of the busiest periods of the year. August prices also remained 2.9% below 2025 levels, extending the trend into the late summer holiday season.
The APH.com analysis also found substantial differences in airport parking costs across the UK, with several major airports recording significant year-on-year price reductions. Travellers flying from Glasgow Airport benefited from the largest reduction anywhere in the UK, with average daily parking rates falling by 18.1% compared with 2025.
Meanwhile, Birmingham (-7.2%), Luton (-5.3%), Gatwick (-5.0%) and Edinburgh (-4.8%) also recorded significant price reductions while booking volumes increased, suggesting greater competition and increased choice are helping to deliver better value for travellers at some of the UK’s busiest airports. For a full breakdown of the findings at each airport, visit https://www.aph.com/airport-parking-prices.
For travellers looking to maximise savings, Off-Airport parking continues to offer some of the strongest value across the market. APH’s analysis showed that Off-Airport products recorded the deepest average discounts in 2026, with customers paying 14.3% less than advertised rates on average, compared with 10.8% for Meet and Greet services and 9.8% for On-Airport parking. With almost 70% of Off-Airport bookings benefiting from a discount, travellers willing to take a short transfer to the terminal could unlock some of the best airport parking deals available.
Nick Caunter, Managing Director of Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com), said, “Despite another busy year for travel and the relentless rise in the headline Consumer Price Index, airport parking has become more affordable for UK holidaymakers in 2026. Our analysis shows travellers have benefited from lower average daily rates across much of the summer holiday season, even as demand for travel has remained strong. Customers are increasingly taking a smarter approach by comparing options, booking in advance and seeking out the best-value products available. For those looking to maximise savings, booking early and considering off-airport parking continues to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the overall cost of getting away.”
With average daily rates lower than 2025 at many UK airports, the combination of lower pricing and deeper discounts means travellers who book ahead and compare options could make even greater savings on their holiday travel costs.
For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) visit www.aph.com
or call 01342 859515.
Notes to Editors
- APH analysed airport parking booking data between 1 January – 7 September 2025 and 1 January – 7 September 2026.
- *Average Daily Rate (ADR) was calculated using total parking revenue divided by total parking days booked and includes VAT.
Image Captions:
- Image 1: Aerial photo of APH Gatwick off-airport car park.
- Image 2: New research from Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) has revealed holidaymakers are paying less for airport parking in 2026
To download images visit: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/935quihxunndnh4x8x40o/h?rlkey=jyl4dou4bvitm7gipyfw195ua&st=s41upkrl&dl=0
About Airport Parking and Hotels (APH)
Established in 1980, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is an award-winning airport parking operator and retailer, winning the ‘Best Airport Parking Company’ award at the British Travel Awards 2025 for the fifteenth-year running. APH also carries Which? Recommended Provider status having been voted as one of the best services available in the airport parking industry in July 2026. In addition to APH’s own car parks serving Gatwick, Manchester and Cardiff Airports, APH also offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels.