A NORTH-EAST airport has been slammed and accused of "daylight robbery" after the cost of parking was increased last week.

Newcastle Airport has since come under fire after prices at its 'Express Car Park' were increased on July 15.

The cost to drop-off and pick-up passengers is now £3 for ten minutes, whereas it had been priced at £2 for the same period.

The airport has since defended the rise in prices citing "challenging business conditions" following the coronavirus outbreak. 

But some customers have been left angry with one calling for an end to the drop-off and pick-up charges altogether. 

One customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "I parked here last week when I was dropping my mum off and it cost £2.

"That was bad enough, but then it's gone up to £3 this week which is just ridiculous for ten minutes parking.

"It's an insult to those that have to use the airport and it should be scrapped in my eyes."

The concerns were echoed on social media with one customer describing the new charge as "daylight robbery." 

Airport bosses first announced plans to increase the cost of its 'Express' parking in Mid-June, but that was met with criticism at the time.

In response to the concerns, the airport said the ongoing coronavirus pandemic had forced "difficult decisions" included the price increase of its 'Express Car Park tariff.'

A spokesperson for Newcastle Airport said: "As we embark on the long road to recovery, the task of restoring our route network and returning the business to profitability is likely to be challenging.

"We expect the costs of operating the Airport to exceed income for a period of time.

"We understand the importance of global connectivity to the region, therefore these price increases need to be introduced so that we can continue to make investments in the Airport, attract high quality airlines and provide the level of customer service our passengers expect.

"The new rate remains competitive with other regional airports around the UK, including Manchester, Edinburgh and Leeds-Bradford."

The airport said it was reminding customers that pre-booking car parking is available.

It added: "We will continue to provide passengers 15 minutes free parking in our Short Stay 2 car park and offsite taxi operators can still make use of a free taxi waiting area adjacent to Callerton Parkway."