Heathrow Airport will increase its drop-off charge for the “kiss and fly” service by 16% starting January 1st. The current fee of £6 will go up to £7, with a maximum stay of 10 minutes enforced to avoid a parking penalty of £80. The airport stated that this adjustment aligns Heathrow’s drop-off charge with other major UK airports and supports their sustainability efforts by reducing congestion and promoting public transport use.
According to a Heathrow spokesperson, 95% of passengers complete drop-offs within the allotted 10 minutes, which was implemented to improve traffic flow. The airport emphasized that the drop-off fee contributes to investments in eco-friendly transportation options and encourages passengers to consider environmentally friendly travel choices.
Heathrow’s website highlights the convenience of its drop-off areas directly outside each terminal, offering easy access for passengers. Drivers can pay for a single drop-off or pre-pay for multiple drop-offs online or by phone, with payment required by midnight the next day. Passenger pick-ups are not allowed in the drop-off area but can be done in the airport’s car parks with a minimal charge for 30 minutes.
Recent financial reports revealed a 2% increase in Heathrow’s revenues to £2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025, driven by long-haul flights and increased premium services uptake. Despite a slight profit dip, operating profits remained strong at £1.5 billion.
Compared to many UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area does not accommodate passenger pick-ups, which are directed to the car parks with a 30-minute minimum charge. The rise in drop-off charges at Heathrow follows a trend among UK airports, with a report from the RAC indicating that over half of the busiest airports in the UK have raised their drop-off fees this year, some by as much as a third.
While UK drivers may face increased fees, airports across Europe typically offer free drop-off services, according to the RAC. Research by the group revealed price hikes at 11 of the top 20 airports in 2024, with Belfast City Airport showing the steepest increase to £4 for a 10-minute drop-off. London Luton and Manchester were highlighted as the most expensive on a cost-per-minute basis, charging £5 for five minutes of drop-off time.