Heathrow Airport has announced an increase of 16% in its drop-off charge for the “kiss and fly” service starting January. The current £6 fee will rise to £7, with a maximum stay time of 10 minutes. Exceeding this time limit may result in a parking charge notice and an £80 fee.
According to a spokesperson, this adjustment aligns Heathrow’s Terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports and supports their sustainability strategy by reducing congestion, promoting public transport use, and ensuring forecourts are used efficiently. However, free drop-off and pick-up options are still available at all terminals through Park & Ride car parks.
Travel expert Guy Hobbs from consumer group Which? expressed concerns about the increased price and time limit, suggesting that alternative long stay car parks offer free drop-off services at major UK airports.
Heathrow noted that 95% of passengers complete their drop-offs within the allowed 10 minutes, aiming to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion with the time limit. The airport emphasized that the drop-off fee contributes to investments in bus, rail, and sustainable transport initiatives, encouraging passengers to consider environmentally friendly travel options.
Heathrow’s website highlights the convenience of drop-off areas located directly outside each terminal for quick passenger transfers. Payment options include single drop-off fees or pre-payment for multiple drop-offs online or via phone, with payments due by midnight the next day.
Recent financial results showed a 2% revenue increase to £2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025 for Heathrow, driven by robust long-haul flying and increased utilization of premium services. Although profits slightly decreased by 0.2%, they remained substantial at £1.5 billion.
Unlike some UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area does not accommodate passenger pick-ups, which are directed to the airport’s car parks with minimal charges for 30 minutes.
This rise in drop-off charges follows a report by the RAC in July, revealing that over half of the UK’s busiest airports raised their drop-off fees, with some increasing charges for brief stops by up to a third. The RAC highlighted the contrast with many European airports offering free drop-offs.
The RAC’s research found that 11 out of the top 20 airports, based on 2024 passenger numbers, raised their prices compared to the previous year. Among these, Belfast City implemented the steepest increase to £4 for 10 minutes, while London Luton and Manchester were noted as the most expensive on a cost-per-minute basis at £5 for five minutes.
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