Heathrow Airport is set to increase its drop-off charge for the “kiss and fly” service by 16% starting January 1st.
The current £6 fee for dropping off passengers will be raised to £7, with a new maximum 10-minute time limit being enforced. Going over this time limit may result in a parking charge notice and a substantial £80 fee, as confirmed by the airport.
According to a spokesperson from Britain’s busiest airport, this adjustment aligns Heathrow’s Terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports and supports their sustainability strategy. The aim is to alleviate congestion, promote the use of public transport, and ensure the forecourts serve their intended purpose. Free drop-off and pick-up options are still available at all terminals through the Park & Ride car parks.
Guy Hobbs, a travel expert at consumer group Which?, expressed concerns about the increased price and strict time limit at Heathrow, suggesting that travelers can utilize alternative long-stay car parks at various UK airports for free drop-offs.
Heathrow reports that 95% of passengers complete their drop-offs within the allocated 10-minute timeframe, which the airport claims helps streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion.
The airport emphasizes that the drop-off fee contributes to their plans to invest in bus, rail, and sustainable transport initiatives while encouraging passengers to consider environmentally friendly travel options.
Heathrow’s website highlights the convenience of its drop-off areas located directly outside each terminal for quick and easy passenger drop-offs. Payment options include single drop-off fees or pre-paid packages for multiple drop-offs online or by phone, with payments required by midnight the following day.
Recent financial results show a 2% revenue increase to £2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025 for Heathrow, driven by long-haul flights and increased uptake of premium services. Despite a slight 0.2% profit dip, the airport still maintained profits at £1.5 billion.
Unlike many UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area is not available for passenger pick-ups, which are directed to the airport’s car parks where a minimal charge applies for 30 minutes.
This price adjustment follows a report by the RAC in July, indicating that over half of the UK’s busiest airports have raised their drop-off charges this year, with some increasing fees for short stops by up to a third.
While UK drivers may feel the impact of these changes and potential fines for non-payment, the RAC notes that most European airports offer free drop-off services.
Among the top 20 airports by passenger numbers in 2024, 11 had raised their prices compared to the previous year. The steepest increase was seen at Belfast City Airport, where charges rose by a third to £4 for 10 minutes. London Luton and Manchester airports were highlighted as the most expensive on a cost-per-minute basis, charging £5 for five minutes, as per the RAC’s findings.