Heathrow Airport is set to increase its drop-off charge for the “kiss and fly” service by 16% starting January 1st.
The current fee of £6 for dropping off passengers will be raised to £7 at the beginning of the new year. Additionally, a maximum stay of 10 minutes will be enforced, beyond which drivers risk incurring a parking charge notice and an £80 penalty.
A spokesperson for the UK’s busiest airport stated, “This adjustment aligns Heathrow’s Terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports and supports our sustainability strategy. It aids in reducing congestion, promoting the use of public transportation, and ensuring that our forecourts serve their intended purpose. Free drop-off and pick-up options remain accessible for all terminals through our Park & Ride car parks.”
Travel expert Guy Hobbs from the consumer group Which? expressed concerns about the price increase and strict time limit imposed by Heathrow, highlighting that free drop-off options are available at alternative long-stay car parks across major UK airports.
Heathrow reported that 95% of passengers already complete their drop-offs within the allotted 10-minute timeframe, emphasizing that the 10-minute limit aims to enhance traffic flow and alleviate congestion.
The airport emphasized that the drop-off fee contributes to its initiatives to invest in bus, rail, and sustainable transport projects, as well as to encourage travelers to consider environmentally friendly travel options.
Heathrow’s website promotes its convenient drop-off locations right outside each terminal, offering easy and quick ways to drop off passengers. Payment options include single drop-off payments or pre-payment for multiple drop-offs online or via phone, with payment due by midnight the following day and no on-site payment options available.
Recent financial reports indicate that Heathrow’s revenues for the first nine months of 2025 increased by 2% to £2.7 billion, driven by robust long-haul flights and a growing uptake of premium services, despite a slight 0.2% decrease in profits to £1.5 billion.
Unlike many UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area is solely for drop-offs and not for passenger pick-ups, with pick-ups directed to the airport’s car parks, which offer a minimal charge for 30 minutes of parking.
The rise in drop-off charges at Heathrow follows a July report by the motoring group RAC, revealing that over half of the UK’s busiest airports raised their drop-off fees this year, with some airports increasing charges for brief stops by up to a third.
While UK drivers face increased fees and penalties for non-payment, many European airports provide free drop-off services, as noted by the RAC. Among the top 20 airports based on 2024 passenger numbers, 11 had raised their prices since the previous year, with Belfast City Airport recording a 33% increase to £4 for a 10-minute drop-off. London Luton and Manchester airports were highlighted as the most expensive on a cost-per-minute basis, charging £5 for a five-minute drop-off.