Heathrow Airport will increase its drop-off charge for “kiss and fly” services by 16% starting January 1st. The current fee of £6 will be raised to £7, with a maximum 10-minute stay allowed. Motorists exceeding this time limit risk facing an £80 parking charge notice.
A spokesperson for the airport, the busiest in Britain, stated that the adjustment aligns Heathrow’s Terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports. The change aims to reduce congestion, promote public transport usage, and ensure the forecourts are utilized efficiently. However, free drop-off and pick-up alternatives are accessible at all terminals through the Park & Ride car parks.
Travel expert Guy Hobbs from consumer group Which? criticized the price hike and time restriction, warning of added stress and expenses for travelers. He highlighted the availability of free drop-off options at long-stay car parks in major UK airports.
Heathrow reported that 95% of passengers complete their drop-offs within the allocated 10 minutes. The introduction of the time limit aims to enhance traffic flow and decrease congestion, according to a spokesperson.
The airport emphasized that the drop-off fee contributes to investments in bus, rail, and sustainable transport initiatives. It encourages passengers to consider travel options with lower environmental impacts as part of Heathrow’s sustainability efforts.
Heathrow’s website emphasizes the convenience of its drop-off areas located directly outside each terminal for quick passenger drop-offs. Payment can be made for a single drop-off or prepaid for multiple drop-offs online or by phone. Fees must be settled by midnight the following day, with no on-site payment options available.
Recent financial results revealed a 2% revenue increase to £2.7 billion for Heathrow in the first nine months of 2025, driven by robust long-haul flights and a rise in premium service usage. Despite a slight profit decrease of 0.2%, profits remained substantial at £1.5 billion.
Unlike other UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off zones do not accommodate passenger pick-ups. Pick-ups are allowed in the airport’s car parks, with a minimal charge for 30 minutes.
The rise in drop-off charges at Heathrow follows a trend identified by motoring group RAC, indicating that over half of the UK’s busiest airports have raised their drop-off fees this year. Some airports have increased charges for brief stops to drop off passengers by as much as a third.
While UK drivers may face higher fees and penalties for non-payment, most European airports provide free drop-off services, as highlighted by the RAC’s findings. Among the top 20 airports in 2024 based on passenger numbers, 11 had raised their prices compared to the previous year. The steepest increase was observed at Belfast City Airport, where charges surged by a third to £4 for a 10-minute drop-off. On a cost-per-minute basis, London Luton and Manchester airports were noted as the most expensive, charging £5 for five minutes.