LEEDS Bradford Airport has issued a warning to passengers after a rise in reports of rogue third-party parking operators targeting travellers.
The airport says unlicensed companies have been offering so-called “meet and greet” parking services from its free one-hour zone — which it stresses is illegal and not used by any legitimate providers.
Officials say the operators are not affiliated with the airport and are exploiting passengers looking for convenient parking options close to the terminal.
The warning comes after what the airport describes as a growing number of “serious and upsetting” complaints from customers who used the services.
Reported issues include vehicles being damaged, clocking up excessive mileage and, in some cases, not being returned on time — or at all.
Passengers have also reported being told to travel to remote warehouse sites to retrieve their cars, with some requiring taxi journeys between the airport and off-site locations.
Other complaints include unexpected additional charges, unauthorised use of vehicles and cars being driven without appropriate — or sometimes any — insurance cover.
A spokesperson for Leeds Bradford Airport said: “We have recently been receiving an increased number of reports of rogue third-party parking operators selling ‘meet and greet’ products, operating from the free one-hour zone.
“These are unlicensed services and are not affiliated with LBA in any way. No legitimate providers operate from our free one-hour zone and their operation is illegal.”
The airport is urging travellers to thoroughly research parking providers before handing over their vehicle and to book only with trusted, approved operators.
Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to one of the rogue services is encouraged to report the matter to Trading Standards and the police.
Passengers can also contact the airport directly to verify whether their booking is legitimate by emailing customercare@lba.co.uk.
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