Heathrow Airport will increase its drop-off charge for “kiss and fly” services by 16% starting January. The current £6 fee will rise to £7 on January 1, with a maximum 10-minute stay restriction to avoid an £80 parking charge notice.
A spokesperson for the airport mentioned that this adjustment aligns Heathrow’s Terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports, supporting their sustainability strategy to reduce congestion, promote public transport use, and maintain efficient forecourt utilization. While the drop-off fee is in effect, free drop-off and pick-up options are accessible at all terminals via Park & Ride car parks.
Consumer group Which?’s travel expert, Guy Hobbs, criticized the price hike and time limit, emphasizing that travelers can still opt for free drop-offs at alternative long-stay car parks across major UK airports.
Heathrow reported that 95% of passengers complete drop-offs within the 10-minute timeframe, which aims to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion. The airport stated that the drop-off fee contributes to funding 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 passenger drop-offs. Payment options include single drop-off fees or pre-paid multiple drop-offs online or by phone, with payments due by midnight the following day, and no on-site payment options available.
Recent financial results indicated a 2% revenue increase to £2.7 billion for Heathrow in the first nine months of 2025, supported by robust long-haul flights and growing uptake of premium services. Although profits slightly decreased by 0.2%, they remained high at £1.5 billion.
Unlike several UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area is not designated for passenger pick-ups, which are directed to the airport’s car parks with minimal charges for 30 minutes of parking.
The latest fee adjustment follows a July report by the RAC revealing increased drop-off charges at over half of the UK’s busiest airports this year. While UK airports raise fees, most European counterparts still offer free drop-off services, according to the RAC’s findings on airport pricing trends.
Research by the RAC found that 11 of the top 20 airports based on 2024 passenger numbers had raised their fees compared to the previous year. Notably, Belfast City saw a 33% increase in drop-off charges to £4 for a 10-minute stay, with London Luton and Manchester being the most expensive on a cost-per-minute basis at £5 for five minutes.
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