The one-year cards will rise from $350 (plus gst) to $850 (plus gst).
Other changes, due to come into effect on November 23, include a $3 increase in the current $15 "first day" maximum charge and a doubling of the $2 charge for parking between 90 minutes and 120 minutes.
A Dunedin businessman, who did not want to be identified, described the increase for one-year cards as "extortionate".
"I think it's scandalous. I imagine there will be an uproar."
The businessman, who used the airport car park about 20 days a year, considered those working for large corporates might be able to afford to pay the new fee but "for Dunedin small businesses to have to front up with that [new charge] is just over the top".
Airport chief executive John McCall said yesterday the planned increases were the first for almost five years and were "simply a reflection" of the airport's ongoing $4 million parking development.
Another 100 parks are due to be added to bring the total to 800.
"Even with this latest increase, Dunedin's prices remain below those charged in other main centre airports."
Some airports charged up to $13.50 for two hours' parking, he said.
Mr McCall said there were about 400 holders of one-year cards and Dunedin's was the only airport in the country with such a system.
Mr McCall said the one-year cards were introduced as "a convenience" in the mid-1990s for regular users who did not want to queue.
The fee then was relative to the casual parking rate of $1 a day.
"Since they were first implemented there's only been one small increase to those cards.
"We've really had to cometo the point where we've had to bite the bullet and decide what is a commercial fee for that service."
Feedback had included complaints and the comment that until now "it's been a bargain".
Mr McCall said the installation of a device that accepted credit cards would provide the same level of convenience as the one-year cards and he expected some holders would find paying casual charges "more cost effective".
Mr McCall said there were abuses of the one-year card.
One Auckland couple left their car permanently at the airport to use when they visited their Central Otago holiday home.
"So this is their garage, if you like."
Aucklander Greg Dephoff rang the ODT to criticise the "take it or leave it" attitude of airport management.
Mr Dephoff said he had parked his car at the airport for 200 days each year for the past six years and used it while visiting his holiday house at Shag Point.
Another card-holder described airport parking as a monopoly with no competition.
"Parking charges should not be regarded as a cash cow for the company."
Parking charges
0-15min
Current: free. From Nov 23: free
15-30min
Current: $1. From Nov 23: $1
30-60min
Current: $1. From Nov 23: $2
60-90min
Current: $2. From Nov 23: $3
90-120 min
Current: $2. From Nov 23: $4
First day max
Current: $15. From Nov 23: $18
First week max
Current: $51. From Nov 23: $58
Thereafter weekly max
Current: $42. From Nov 23: $42
One-year contracts
Current: $350 (plus gst). From Nov 23: $850 (plus gst)
