Heathrow Airport is set to increase its drop-off charge for the “kiss and fly” service by 16% starting in January.
Effective January 1, the current £6 fee for dropping off passengers will rise to £7, with a maximum 10-minute stay limit in place. Exceeding this time limit may result in a parking charge notice and a substantial £80 penalty, as confirmed by the airport.
A spokesperson for the UK’s busiest airport stated that this adjustment aligns Heathrow’s Terminal drop-off charge with other major airports in the country. The change is part of their sustainability strategy to alleviate congestion, promote the use of public transportation, and ensure the forecourts are utilized as intended. However, free drop-off and pick-up options are still available at all terminals through Park & Ride car parks.
Travel expert Guy Hobbs from consumer group Which? expressed concerns over the price increase and strict time limit, suggesting that passengers could utilize alternative long-stay car parks for free drop-offs at various UK airports.
Heathrow reported that 95% of passengers complete their drop-offs within the allocated 10 minutes, emphasizing that the time limit aims to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion.
The airport clarified that the drop-off fee contributes to their plans to invest in bus, rail, and sustainable transport initiatives, encouraging passengers to consider travel options with a lower environmental impact.
Heathrow’s website highlights the convenience of its drop-off areas located directly outside each terminal for quick and easy passenger drop-offs. Payment methods include single drop-off payments or pre-payment for multiple drop-offs online or by phone, with fees due by midnight the following day and no on-site payment options available.
Recent financial results revealed a 2% revenue increase to £2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025 for Heathrow, driven by long-haul flights and increased premium services uptake. Despite a slight 0.2% profit decrease, the airport still recorded profits of £1.5 billion.
Unlike many other UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area does not permit passenger pick-ups, which are directed to the airport’s car parks with a minimal charge for 30 minutes.
The recent fee hike follows a July report by the RAC indicating that over half of the UK’s busiest airports raised their drop-off charges this year, with some increasing fees for brief stops significantly.
While UK drivers face escalating fees, most European airports offer free drop-offs, according to the RAC’s findings. Among the top 20 airports based on 2024 passenger numbers, 11 had raised their prices, with Belfast City experiencing the steepest increase to £4 for a 10-minute stop.
London Luton and Manchester were noted as the most expensive airports on a cost-per-minute basis, charging £5 for five minutes, as highlighted by the RAC.
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