Heathrow Airport has provoked anger from motorists and taxi drivers after confirming it will increase its terminal drop-off fee and tighten waiting time restrictions from the start of the new year.
What are the new charges and rules?
From 1 January, the cost to enter the designated 'kiss-and-fly' zones directly outside the terminals will rise from £6 to £7. This brings Heathrow in line with other major London airports including Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton.
Simultaneously, a new 10-minute maximum stay limit will be enforced across all terminal forecourts. Drivers who overstay will receive an £80 Parking Charge Notice (PCN), reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
This marks the second consecutive annual increase, following a £1 rise in January 2025. The charge was first introduced in 2021 at an initial rate of £5, meaning the cost has risen by 40% in just two years.
Driver and campaigner backlash
The hike has been met with fierce criticism from those who use the airport daily. Private hire taxi driver Zamir Dreni branded the increase "unfair" and a blatant "moneymaker."
"How can you justify that?" Dreni told Metro. "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."
He explained that the 10-minute limit is particularly stressful for drivers assisting passengers who need extra time, such as wheelchair users or families with multiple suitcases. He also warned that the inevitable queues to exit the zone could easily cause drivers to breach the limit inadvertently.
Dreni added that many drivers, including himself, now actively avoid airport jobs due to the high fees, and that the cost will ultimately be passed on to passengers. "To me, it is an unjustifiable charge," he stated.
Social media reactions echoed this sentiment. One user questioned: "40% cost increase in two years. How do you justify that?" Another commented: "Charging £7 just to drop someone off is ridiculous... you should be improving the passenger experience—not taking advantage of people."
Heathrow's justification and alternative options
A Heathrow spokesperson defended the changes, stating they align with the airport's sustainability goals. "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," they said.
"It helps reduce congestion, encourages public transport use, and ensures our forecourts are used for their intended purposes."
The spokesperson also noted that 95% of drop-off visits are completed in under 10 minutes. The airport highlights that free drop-off and pick-up options remain available at all its Park & Ride car parks, which are served by free bus shuttles to the terminals.
Blue Badge holders are exempt from the time limit, provided they register their trip in advance, and are eligible for a 100% discount on the drop-off charge.
The payment system, which operates 24/7 via ANPR cameras, requires drivers to pay by midnight the day after their visit to avoid a penalty. Payments can be made online or by phone, either in advance or after the visit.
