Drivers have been warned they face eye-watering airport parking fees that could derail summer travel plans, with some airports demanding up to £189 for just four days of parking.

It follows new data that has exposed the staggering costs confronting travellers across UK commercial airports, which has left millions paying more for parking.

The research revealed that average short-stay parking has reached £93.90 for four days, while long-stay alternatives average £59. Premium meet-and-greet services commanded even steeper prices, averaging £101.

These mounting expenses threaten to add hundreds of pounds to family holiday budgets before planes even leave the tarmac.

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With more than five million Britons expected to travel abroad this month alone, the financial burden could significantly impact UK tourism patterns.

England's airports emerged as the most expensive in the nation, with short-stay parking averaging £110, marking a staggering 61 per cent above Scotland's £58 average and 17 per cent higher than the UK-wide figure.

Some Scottish regional airports even provide complimentary parking, dramatically lowering the nation's average costs.

Wales claimed the dubious distinction of Britain's priciest long-stay parking at £81 on average, representing a 63 per cent premium over Scotland's £42.

PA | More than half of the airports around the UK have hiked their drop-off prices

Northern Ireland, meanwhile, sat in the middle ground with short-stay parking at £62.99 and long-stay options averaging £45.

These stark regional disparities have meant that travellers departing from English airports face substantially higher pre-flight expenses than their Scottish counterparts, potentially influencing destination choices and departure points for budget-conscious holidaymakers.

Financial considerations dominate traveller decision-making, with 42 per cent citing expense as their primary concern when selecting airport transport. Convenience ranks second at 40 per cent, followed by time efficiency at 37 per cent.

Security worries plague many motorists, as 34 per cent fear vehicle damage while parked and 19 per cent worry about theft.

Logistic anxieties also surfaced, with 31 per cent concerned about car park to terminal transfer times and 24 per cent dreading potential shuttle service delays.

Despite these cost pressures, merely 23 per cent of travellers actively compare taxi fares against parking charges before booking.

This oversight proves costly, as 28 per cent of those who chose airport parking expressed shock at the final bill.

Alvaro Iturmendi, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, warned that "while airport parking is often convenient, the cost can be a challenge, especially during peak travel times."

He noted that "many travellers might end up overpaying simply because they book too late or don't compare their options."

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Drivers have been paying as much as £189 for four days of parking

The expert highlighted that advance bookings and comparing different parking types could help offer significant savings to drivers.

"If you're travelling with others, splitting a taxi could reduce the burden of costs. And if public transport is available, it might be the most budget-friendly option," Iturmendi advised.

To address widespread confusion, Confused.com has introduced an airport journey planner tool.

Users input their postcode, destination airport, passenger numbers and luggage details to receive cost comparisons between local taxi firms and parking options.

The parking problem has caused 55 per cent of holidaymakers to prefer lifts from relatives or friends, with 52 per cent having previously driven and parked at airports.