Heathrow Airport will raise its drop-off charge for “kiss and fly” services by 16% starting January 1. The current £6 fee for passenger drop-offs will increase to £7, with a new maximum stay limit of 10 minutes. Exceeding this limit may result in a parking charge notice and an £80 fee.
A spokesperson for the UK’s busiest airport stated that the adjustment aligns Heathrow’s Terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports, supporting their sustainability goals by reducing congestion, promoting public transport usage, and optimizing forecourt functionality. Free drop-off and pick-up alternatives are still accessible at all terminals through Park & Ride car parks.
According to travel expert Guy Hobbs from Which?, the price hike and strict time restriction at Heathrow could elevate stress and expenses for travelers. However, there are long-stay car parks at various UK airports where drop-offs are complimentary.
Heathrow reported that 95% of passengers complete their drop-offs within the allotted 10 minutes, emphasizing the regulation’s purpose to enhance traffic flow and alleviate congestion. The airport emphasized that the drop-off fee contributes to investments in sustainable transportation options and environmental considerations.
Heathrow’s website highlights the convenience of its drop-off locations near each terminal and outlines payment options for single or multiple drop-offs. Paying for services must be done online or by phone before midnight the following day, as there are no payment facilities in the terminal drop-off zones.
Financial data released in October revealed a 2% revenue increase to £2.7 billion for Heathrow in the first nine months of 2025, driven by long-haul flights and premium services. Despite a 0.2% profit dip, earnings remained substantial at £1.5 billion.
Unlike many UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off zone does not allow passenger pick-ups, directing those activities to designated car parks with minimal charges for 30 minutes.
The latest fee adjustment follows a report by the RAC in July, indicating that over half of the UK’s busiest airports raised their drop-off charges this year, with some elevating fees for brief stops significantly. While UK airports impose charges, the RAC noted that most European airports offer free drop-off services.
Research by the RAC highlighted fee increases at 11 of the top 20 airports in 2024, with Belfast City experiencing a 33% rise to £4 for a 10-minute drop-off. London Luton and Manchester were identified as the most expensive on a cost-per-minute basis, charging £5 for five minutes.
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