As BAA continues with its plans to introduce a £1 drop off fee for people arriving by car at Edinburgh Airport, a Scottish MP has launched a campaign against the decision.
The airport plans to introduce the fee in October this year, with construction on the new drop off zone due to start later this month.
Conservative MSP Gavin Brown launched a petition this week against the introduction of the fee, calling on BAA "to reverse this decision as soon as possible".
He called BAA's plans to charge a drop off fee "plain mean".
Brown has also lodged a Parliamentary motion on the subject, accusing BAA of failing to consult passengers on the decision.
"Many of my constituents are deeply unhappy about BAA's decision to charge drivers £1 to simply drop someone off at the airport," said Brown.
"For a lot of people getting public transport to the airport is not a viable option. I have been contacted by elderly residents and constituents with young children who don't have an alternative way of getting to the airport."
A £1 drop off fee, valid for 10 minutes, was introduced yesterday at Belfast airport. Drivers who want to avoid the charge can use the airport long stay car park, where "a short grace period" is granted. At Edinburgh a similar system will be put in place.
Brian Potter, president of the Scottish Passenger Agents Association, said he fears it is "the tip of an iceberg" and that it will spread to the other airports.
"Our concern is that it adds yet more cost for travellers," said Potter "It's simply a way to make easy money and the public are not happy about it.
"Both Edinburgh and Belfast airports have an alternative free drop zone requiring a free bus, but realistically I believe most people being dropped off by family, friends or taxi will pay the fee and complain about it."
Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport's managing director, defended the decision to introduce the £1 fee, saying the money raised would be reinvested in passenger facilities.
Speaking to the Scotsman, he said: "In the recent budget, Gavin Brown's colleagues increased the tax paid on every airline ticket.
"From November, every man, woman and child who travels to or from Scotland will be taxed from £12 up to £170, and none of that money is reinvested in passenger facilities.
"We would be happy to debate our £1 charge, every penny of which is reinvested in delivering a safe, modern airport with a diverse choice of destinations."
Sophie Dekkers, Easyjet's UK Commercial Manager, said the airline, which has 170 flights a week from Edinburgh, would not be supporting Brown's campaign.
"Although easyJet does not necessarily agree with the charge, we will not be signing the petition in support of abolition of the fee.
"In recent months Edinburgh Airport have heavily invested in improving the customer experience at the airport, this includes a new security screening area, an overhauled departures lounge, and significant improvements to the range of retail shops in the terminal.
"These costs have not been passed onto the airlines, ensuring that we can keep our fares as low as possible for our customers."
Gavin Brown's petition can be found here: www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/say-no-to-drop-off-charges-at-edinburgh-airport.html