Heathrow Airport has announced an increase of 16% in its drop-off charge for the “kiss and fly” service starting January. The current fee of £6 will rise to £7 on January 1, with a maximum stay of 10 minutes enforced. After the time limit, drivers risk facing a parking charge notice and an £80 fee.
According to a spokesperson for the airport, aligning the Terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports is part of Heathrow’s sustainability strategy. The change aims to reduce congestion, promote public transport usage, and ensure the forecourts are utilized appropriately. Free drop-off and pick-up options are still available at all terminals through Park & Ride car parks.
Guy Hobbs, a travel expert at Which?, expressed concerns over the price hike and time restriction, stating that it may add stress and costs for travelers. However, he mentioned the availability of alternative long-stay car parks for free drop-offs at major UK airports.
Heathrow reported that 95% of passengers already complete their drop-offs within the 10-minute limit, which was introduced to enhance traffic flow and alleviate congestion. The airport emphasized that the drop-off fee contributes to investments in bus, rail, and sustainable transport initiatives, encouraging passengers to consider environmentally friendly travel options.
Heathrow’s website highlights the convenience of its drop-off areas located directly outside each terminal, providing a quick and easy way to drop off passengers. Payment for a single drop-off or multiple drop-offs can be made online or by phone, with the fee required to be settled by midnight the next day. Payment options at airport ticket machines or in terminal drop-off zones are not available.
Recent financial results revealed a 2% increase in Heathrow’s revenues to £2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025, driven by strong long-haul flights and growing utilization of premium services. Although profits experienced a slight dip of 0.2%, they remained at £1.5 billion.
Unlike many other UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area is exclusively for drop-offs, not pick-ups. Passenger pick-ups are directed to the airport’s car parks, where a minimal charge applies for 30 minutes.
The rise in drop-off charges at Heathrow follows a trend observed in the UK, as reported by the RAC in July, where over half of the busiest airports increased their drop-off fees. Some airports raised fees for brief stops by up to a third, potentially burdening drivers with significant costs.
While UK airports have raised drop-off charges, most European airports offer free drop-offs, as highlighted by the RAC. The RAC’s research indicated that 11 of the top 20 airports, based on 2024 passenger numbers, raised their prices compared to the previous year. The steepest increase was seen at Belfast City Airport, where charges surged by a third to £4 for 10 minutes. London Luton and Manchester airports were noted as the most expensive on a cost-per-minute basis, charging £5 for five minutes.
