Heathrow Airport to Increase Drop-Off Charges from January
Heathrow Airport, the United Kingdom’s busiest air travel hub, has announced it will be raising its drop-off charge starting from the new year. The cost for drivers to drop passengers off at Heathrow will rise by £1, from the current £6 to £7, as part of measures designed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at the terminals.
Alongside the price hike, Heathrow is introducing a new 10-minute parking rule in the drop-off zones. Drivers who exceed this time limit will face fines. The airport stated that currently, 95% of drivers use the drop-off areas within 10 minutes, and the rule aims to ensure these zones remain available for their intended quick-use purpose.
A Heathrow spokesperson explained, "This change brings Heathrow’s terminal drop-off charge in line with other major UK airports and plays a key role in our sustainability strategy. It helps reduce congestion, encourages public transport use, and ensures our forecourts are used appropriately." The airport also highlighted that free drop-off and pick-up options remain accessible through Park & Ride car parks serving all terminals.
Payment and Penalties
Drivers must pay the £7 drop-off fee online by midnight the day after using the service. Failure to pay on time will result in a £40 fine, which increases to £80 if left unpaid after two weeks.
How Heathrow’s Fees Compare to Other Airports
According to data from the RAC, several other major UK airports have already set their drop-off fees at £7 or higher, including:
- Gatwick
- Stansted
- Bristol
- Leeds Bradford
- Southampton
Other airports, such as Edinburgh, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Liverpool John Lennon, charge £6. London City Airport currently offers free drop-offs but plans to introduce a charge by the end of the year.
Context: Managing Congestion and Sustainability
The increase in Heathrow’s drop-off charges comes amid ongoing efforts to manage traffic congestion around the airport and encourage the use of public and sustainable transport options. The airport previously raised the drop-off charge earlier in 2025 from £5 to £6, indicating a steady trend toward aligning its fees with other major airports.
Travelers and drivers using Heathrow should prepare for the upcoming changes and familiarize themselves with the payment procedures and time restrictions to avoid unwanted fines.