Aberdeenshire councillors have approved plans to automatically add the controversial £2 airport drop-off fee to passengers fares.
The new tariff will be introduced from February 1, 2017 after it was agreed at the licensing sub-committee yesterday.
It applies to any journey from Aberdeenshire to Aberdeen International Airport.
This mirrors the decision made in October by Aberdeen City Council, who also agreed to the fare hike.
The controversial charge has been imposed on drivers dropping off passengers since Airport bosses doubled the fee from £1 to £2 in April 2016.
Council co-leader Alison Evison said: “The proposals had been put forward after a constructive meeting with the taxi trade in August.
“Regular engagement with the trade is really important to us, especially when revising fares. The revised scale addresses the concerns raised about the charges for dropping off at Aberdeen Airport.”
The council’s director of business services, Ritchie Johnston, said responses from the Aberdeenshire taxi trade had pinpointed the drop-off fee as the “main cause of contention”.
He added: “Given that the majority of operators have made no response to the consultation document, it is recommended the licensing sub-committee agrees that the current fare scale remain in place at this time, but that the booking fee is increased from £1.50 to £2 in respect of bookings for the airport.”
An Aberdeen International Airport spokesman said: “Charges in our express drop-off zone are necessary as it is a very restricted area and we want to deter drivers from parking there so we can provide the safest and most secure environment for our passengers and staff.
“The money raised from the charge goes directly towards attracting new routes to Aberdeen during what is an extremely challenging time for the region.”
In October, Aberdeen councillors backed plans to allow the city’s cabbies to automatically add the drop-off fee to the cost of journeys.
Last month, airport chiefs also introduced a new scale of penalties for those who overstayed their welcome in the drop-off zone, following a public backlash.
