Heathrow Airport is set to raise its drop-off charge for the “kiss and fly” service by 16% starting January 1. The current fee of £6 will increase to £7, with a maximum stay time of 10 minutes before incurring an £80 parking charge notice.
According to a spokesperson for Heathrow, this adjustment aligns the Terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports and supports their sustainability strategy by reducing congestion, promoting public transport use, and ensuring proper utilization of forecourts. Free drop-off and pick-up options are still available at all terminals in the Park & Ride car parks.
Travel expert Guy Hobbs from consumer group Which? expressed concerns about the new price hike and time limit, emphasizing that there are alternative long-stay car parks offering free drop-offs at major UK airports.
Heathrow highlighted that 95% of passengers complete their drop-offs within the allotted 10 minutes, which aims to improve traffic flow and alleviate congestion. The airport stated that the drop-off fee contributes to investments in bus, rail, and sustainable transport initiatives while encouraging passengers to choose environmentally friendly travel options.
Heathrow’s website emphasizes the convenience of its drop-off areas located directly outside each terminal for quick passenger drop-offs. Payment for drop-offs can be made online or by phone, with options for single or multiple drop-offs. The fee must be paid by midnight on the following day, and payment cannot be made at airport ticket machines or in the terminal drop-off zones.
In the first nine months of 2025, Heathrow reported a 2% increase in revenues to £2.7 billion, driven by long-haul flying and the growing uptake of premium services. Despite a 0.2% decrease in profits, the airport still achieved a profit of £1.5 billion.
Unlike many UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area does not allow passenger pick-ups, which are directed to the airport’s car parks with a minimal charge for 30 minutes.
The recent price hike follows a report by the motoring group RAC in July, revealing that over half of the UK’s busiest airports raised their drop-off charges this year. Some airports increased fees for brief stops by up to a third, causing concerns for drivers who may face substantial penalties for non-payment. In contrast, most European airports offer free drop-offs, highlighting the discrepancies in pricing policies.
Research conducted by the RAC showed that 11 out of the top 20 airports, based on 2024 passenger numbers, raised their prices compared to the previous year. Belfast City Airport saw a 33% increase in drop-off charges to £4 for 10 minutes, while London Luton and Manchester were identified as the most expensive on a cost-per-minute basis, charging £5 for five minutes of drop-off time.