Heathrow Airport will raise its drop-off fee for the “kiss and fly” service by 16% starting January 1st. The current charge of £6 will increase to £7, with a maximum stay time of 10 minutes before risking an £80 parking fee. This adjustment aligns Heathrow’s Terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports, aiming to reduce congestion, promote public transport usage, and maintain the intended use of forecourts. Free drop-off and pick-up options are still available at all terminals through Park & Ride car parks.
According to a spokesperson for Britain’s busiest airport, the 10-minute limit is set to enhance traffic flow efficiency and ease congestion. Heathrow emphasized that 95% of passengers already complete their drop-offs within the allotted time. The airport views the drop-off fee as part of its strategy to support investments in sustainable transportation initiatives and encourage environmentally friendly travel options.
Heathrow’s website highlights the convenience of its drop-off areas located directly outside each terminal for quick passenger transfers. Payment options include single drop-off payments or pre-payments for multiple drop-offs online or by phone. All fees must be settled by midnight the next day, with no on-site payment options available.
Recent financial reports indicated a 2% revenue increase to £2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025 for Heathrow, driven by robust long-haul flights and increased premium service usage. Despite a slight 0.2% profit decline, the airport’s profits remained strong at £1.5 billion.
Unlike several UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area is not designated for passenger pick-ups. Passenger pick-ups are directed to the airport’s car parks, where a minimal charge applies for 30 minutes of parking.
The rise in drop-off charges at Heathrow follows a trend observed in other UK airports, with over half of the busiest airports increasing their fees this year, as reported by the RAC in July. While UK drivers face escalating fees and potential penalties for non-payment, most European airports provide free drop-off services, according to the RAC’s findings. Among the top 20 airports based on 2024 passenger numbers, 11 had raised their prices since the previous year, with the steepest increase noted at Belfast City Airport. London Luton and Manchester airports were identified as the most expensive on a cost-per-minute basis, charging £5 for five minutes of drop-off time.