Heathrow Airport will raise its drop-off charge for the “kiss and fly” service by 16% starting in January. The current fee of £6 will increase to £7, with a maximum stay of 10 minutes before incurring an £80 parking charge notice. A spokesperson for Heathrow mentioned that this adjustment aligns the airport’s Terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports, aiming to reduce congestion, promote public transport use, and maintain the forecourts’ intended purpose. Free drop-off and pick-up options are still accessible at all terminals through Park & Ride car parks.
Travel expert Guy Hobbs from consumer group Which? expressed concerns over the heightened price and time limit, stating that it will add stress and expenses for travelers. However, he noted that there are alternative long-stay car parks offering free drop-offs at major UK airports.
Heathrow reported that 95% of passengers complete their drop-offs within the allotted 10 minutes, emphasizing that the time limit aids in traffic flow and congestion reduction. The airport clarified that the drop-off fee contributes to investments in bus, rail, and sustainable transport initiatives, encouraging passengers to consider environmentally friendly travel options.
Heathrow’s website highlights the convenience of its drop-off areas directly outside each terminal, providing easy and swift passenger drop-offs. Payment can be made for a single drop-off or pre-paid for multiple drop-offs online or by phone. The fee must be settled by midnight the following day, with no option for payment at airport ticket machines or terminal drop-off zones.
Recent financial results revealed a 2% revenue increase to £2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025 for Heathrow, driven by robust long-haul flights and increased usage of premium services. Although profits saw a slight decrease of 0.2%, they remained at £1.5 billion.
Unlike many UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area does not accommodate passenger pick-ups, which are directed to its car parks with a minimal charge for 30 minutes of parking.
The surge in drop-off charges follows a report by motoring group RAC in July, indicating that over half of the UK’s busiest airports raised their drop-off fees this year, some by as much as a third for short stops. Meanwhile, most European airports offer free drop-offs, as highlighted by the RAC.
Research from the RAC showed that 11 out of the top 20 airports saw price increases since the previous year, with the sharpest rise at Belfast City Airport, where charges surged by a third to £4 for 10 minutes. London Luton and Manchester airports were noted to be the most expensive on a cost-per-minute basis, charging £5 for five minutes.