Millions of travellers using Heathrow Airport are set to face a significant hike in charges for being dropped off at the terminal, alongside a strictly enforced time limit, from the start of the new year.
Price Hike and Punitive Time Limit
From January 1, the fee for using the designated 'kiss and fly' drop-off zones directly outside the terminals will rise from £6 to £7 – a sharp 16% increase. Simultaneously, the airport will impose a maximum stay of 10 minutes in these areas.
Drivers who overstay this brief window risk receiving a Parking Charge Notice, which comes with a substantial penalty of £80. Heathrow states that 95% of drop-offs are already completed within the allotted time, but the new rule is designed to smooth traffic flow and reduce forecourt congestion.
Airport Justification and Passenger Backlash
A spokesperson for Britain's busiest airport defended the changes, stating they bring Heathrow's charges in line with other major UK hubs. They emphasised the role in the airport's sustainability strategy, saying: "It helps reduce congestion, encourages public transport use, and ensures our forecourts are used for their intended purpose." The revenue is also intended to fund investments in bus, rail, and other sustainable transport initiatives.
However, the move has been criticised by consumer advocates. Guy Hobbs, a travel expert at Which?, warned: "This new price hike, and draconian time limit, from Heathrow will only add another layer of stress and cost to travellers." He pointed out that free drop-off options remain available at long-stay car parks serving all major UK airports.
How to Pay and Free Alternatives
Heathrow's system requires payment for the drop-off fee by midnight the following day. There is no option to pay at a ticket machine or in the drop-off zone itself; drivers must pay online or by phone, either for a single drop-off or by pre-paying for multiple trips.
The airport highlights that free drop-off and pick-up remains an option at all its Park & Ride car parks, which are connected to the terminals by shuttle buses. Unlike some other airports, the terminal forecourt at Heathrow is strictly for drop-offs only; pick-ups must occur in the paid car parks, where a minimum 30-minute charge applies.
This increase follows a trend identified by the RAC in July, which found over half of the UK's busiest airports had raised their drop-off fees this year. Notably, the motoring group highlighted that while UK drivers face these rising costs, most major airports in Europe still offer free drop-off facilities.
The financial context for Heathrow shows robust revenues, which grew 2% to £2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025, though profits saw a slight dip to £1.5 billion.
