Faro Airport kiss and fly drop off stems controversy
It would appear the new measure imposed at the end of May, the Faro Airport kiss and fly drop off stems controversy once again. This is a topic we previously discussed and wanted to follow its development.
Basically, the “kiss and fly” pick up and drop off system, previously implemented in fellow European countries like Italy or Belgium, implies that drivers are allowed a maximum 10 minutes’ free access to the airport terminal without parking fee. If this short period of time is exceeded, additional costs are charged, ranging from 3.50 Euro to 63.50 Euro. This measure particularly affects Faro airport transfers companies, because if the system is used more than 7 times a day, each additional pick up is charged 15 Euro.
The Communist Party of Portugal reportedly denounced the measure of the ANA Portuguese National Airport Authority as “extortion”. According to them, most local transport companies cannot afford to keep their business going with these new taxes instilled. The potential collapse of these companies may lead to thousands of people becoming redundant and can seriously threaten local tourism.
The alternative is for transfer companies to get a license (priced 270 Euro a year) that allows access to the parking lot of the Faro Airport. However, the access to the terminals of arrivals and departures is not permitted and the licenses are limited. Also, the option of parking outside the airport is not allowed, being heavily fined by the Police.
This wave of antipathy towards ANA is amplified even more by recent layoffs of the airport staff which caused the workers to go on strike. The “Kiss and fly” system may be implemented in Porto Airport later this year and extended to Lisbon Airport next year. With all this media hype, the outcome of the discussion remains to be seen.
