Heathrow Airport will increase its drop-off charge for the “kiss and fly” service by 16% starting January. The current £6 fee for passenger drop-offs will rise to £7 on January 1, with a maximum 10-minute stay limit in place. Exceeding this time limit may result in a parking charge notice and an £80 penalty.
A spokesperson for the airport stated that this adjustment aligns Heathrow’s Terminal drop-off fee with other major UK airports and supports its sustainability strategy by reducing congestion, promoting public transportation use, and ensuring the forecourts are utilized appropriately. Free drop-off and pick-up options are still accessible at all terminals through the Park & Ride car parks.
Guy Hobbs, a travel expert at Which?, criticized the price increase and time limit, suggesting that it will add stress and expenses for travelers. He recommended utilizing long-stay car parks for free drop-offs at major UK airports.
Heathrow reported that 95% of passengers complete their drop-offs within the allotted 10 minutes, aiming to streamline traffic flow and alleviate congestion. The airport emphasized that the drop-off fee contributes to funding bus, rail, and sustainable transport projects 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, offering quick and easy passenger drop-offs. Payment options include single drop-off payments or pre-payment for multiple drop-offs online or by phone, with fees due by midnight the following day and no on-site payment options available.
Recent financial results revealed a 2% revenue increase to £2.7 billion for Heathrow in the first nine months of 2025, driven by robust long-haul flights and increased utilization of premium services. Although profits slightly decreased by 0.2%, they remained substantial at £1.5 billion.
Unlike many UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area is designated solely for drop-offs, with passenger pick-ups directed to the car parks where a minimal charge applies for 30 minutes.
The recent price 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. While these increases may burden drivers, most European airports offer free drop-offs, as noted by the RAC.
Research from the RAC highlighted that 11 out of the top 20 airports, based on 2024 passenger numbers, raised their prices compared to the previous year. The steepest rise was observed at Belfast City Airport, where drop-off charges increased by a third to £4 for 10 minutes. London Luton and Manchester were noted as the most expensive airports on a cost-per-minute basis, charging £5 for a five-minute drop-off.