Posted on the 8th December 2025 in PHTM News
HEATHROW HIKES DROP OFF FEE TO 7 AND CUTS WAIT TIME LABELLED UNJUSTIFIABLE MONEYMAKER
Heathrow Airport is set to raise its drop-off charge by £1 to £7 from January 1, putting it on par with other major London hubs such as Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton.
The increase comes alongside a new strict 10-minute maximum stay limit in the drop-off zones.
The current £6 'kiss-and-fly' fee was initially introduced at £5 in 2021. Vehicles staying longer than the new 10-minute limit risk an £80 Parking Charge Notice.
Motoring campaigners and taxi drivers have fiercely criticised the steady fee increases, arguing that passengers will ultimately be forced to "shoulder the costs."
Zamir Dreni, a private hire driver in London, called the latest fee hike "unfair" and an easy scheme to generate revenue.
He told Metro: “How can you justify that? Next year, is it going to increase again and again?
"It is a moneymaker, there is no other way to polish it. An easy scheme to make as much money as possible.”
Dreni also said the high charges push drivers to avoid airport work, stating: “I avoid Heathrow and other airports as much as I can, and so many other drivers I know do as well.”
He added: “To me, it is an unjustifiable charge. They are charging enough for pick-ups, which is £7.50.”
He also noted that the strict 10-minute limit is stressful, especially for drivers assisting passengers such as wheelchair users or families with significant luggage, arguing the limit can easily be exceeded when waiting to exit the zone.
Heathrow claims “95% of passenger visits are under 10 minutes.”
A Heathrow spokesperson defended the decision, stating to Metro: “This change brings Heathrow’s Terminal Drop-Off Charge (TDOC) in line with other major UK airports and plays a key role in our sustainability strategy.”
The airport claimed the fee helps “reduce congestion, encourages public transport use, and ensures our forecourts are used for their intended purposes.”
It also highlighted that “Free drop-off and pick-up options remain available for all terminals at all our Park & Ride car parks.”
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