Heathrow Airport is set to increase its drop-off charge for the “kiss and fly” service by 16% starting in January. The current £6 fee will rise to £7 on January 1, with a maximum 10-minute stay allowed. Exceeding this time limit could result in a parking charge notice and an £80 penalty.
A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport stated that this adjustment aligns the Terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports and supports the airport’s sustainability strategy. The aim is to alleviate congestion, promote the use of public transportation, and ensure the forecourts are utilized appropriately. However, free drop-off and pick-up options are still accessible at all terminals through the Park & Ride car parks.
Travel expert Guy Hobbs from Which? expressed concerns over the price increase and strict time limit, suggesting that travelers could opt for free drop-off services available at alternative long stay car parks in major UK airports.
Heathrow Airport mentioned that 95% of passengers currently complete their drop-offs within the allotted 10 minutes, emphasizing that the time restriction aims to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion.
The airport defended the drop-off fee as part of its strategy to fund investments in bus, rail, and sustainable transport projects and encourage 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 and easy passenger drop-offs. Payment for drop-off services can be made online or by phone for single or multiple drop-offs, with payment required by midnight the following day.
Recent financial reports 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 service uptake. Despite a slight profit decline of 0.2%, profits remained substantial at £1.5 billion.
Unlike many UK airports, Heathrow does not allow passenger pick-ups in the drop-off area, directing such activities to its car parks with minimal charges for 30 minutes.
The rise in drop-off charges at Heathrow follows a trend observed by the RAC, which reported increases in drop-off fees at over half of the UK’s busiest airports this year. Some airports have raised fees for short stops by up to a third, leading to concerns among drivers, although most European airports still offer free drop-offs according to the RAC.
Research by the RAC highlighted that 11 out of the top 20 airports based on 2024 passenger numbers had increased their fees from the previous year. Belfast City Airport saw the steepest increase, raising charges by a third to £4 for a 10-minute stop. The costliest airports based on a per-minute basis were London Luton and Manchester, where drivers pay £5 for a five-minute stop.