Heathrow Airport will increase its drop-off charge for the “kiss and fly” service by 16% starting January 1st. The current £6 fee for dropping off passengers will rise to £7, with a maximum stay of 10 minutes before potential parking charges of £80. The airport stated that this adjustment aligns Heathrow’s drop-off charge with other major UK airports to support sustainability goals by reducing congestion and promoting public transport use. Free drop-off and pick-up options remain accessible at all terminals through Park & Ride car parks.
Guy Hobbs, a travel expert at consumer group Which?, criticized the price hike and time limit, suggesting using alternative long stay car parks for free drop-offs at major UK airports. Heathrow mentioned that 95% of passengers already complete their drop-offs within the allotted 10 minutes to manage traffic flow efficiently.
The airport emphasized that the drop-off fee contributes to investment in bus, rail, and sustainable transport initiatives, aiming to encourage environmentally friendly travel options. Heathrow’s website highlights the convenience of its terminal drop-off areas and offers payment options for single or multiple drop-offs online or by phone.
Recent reports indicated 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. While profits slightly decreased to £1.5 billion, the airport continues to see growth.
Unlike many UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area does not allow passenger pick-ups, directing those to designated car parks with minimal charges for 30 minutes. The rise in drop-off charges follows a trend among UK airports, with more than half increasing fees this year according to a report by the RAC in July. The RAC highlighted that while UK airports are raising fees, many European airports still offer free drop-offs.
Research by the RAC revealed that 11 of the top 20 airports by passenger numbers in 2024 had raised their drop-off prices, with Belfast City showing the steepest increase to £4 for 10 minutes. London Luton and Manchester were noted as having the highest cost-per-minute charges at £5 for five minutes.