London City Airport has announced a significant change to its passenger drop-off policy, with new charges set to take effect from the start of 2026. The move is designed to incentivise a greater number of travellers to use public transport when accessing the East London hub.
New Tariff Structure and Exemptions
From 6 January 2026, a new fee will be applied to vehicles dropping passengers directly outside the terminal building on the forecourt. The initial charge for this service will be £8 per drop-off. Drivers who remain at the designated area for longer than five minutes will face an additional charge of £1 per minute, with a maximum stay permitted of ten minutes.
In a key exemption to the new rule, Blue Badge holders will not have to pay the drop-off charge. Furthermore, the airport has proposed that the fee be integrated directly into taxi meters. This would mean licensed cab drivers would not bear the cost themselves; instead, it would be passed on to the passenger. This proposal is expected to be part of Transport for London’s annual public consultation on fares.
Driving the Shift to Sustainable Travel
The primary goal of the new charge is to reduce congestion and promote more sustainable travel options. Airport officials state that approximately two-thirds of its passengers already use public transport to reach the terminal. The new financial disincentive for private vehicle drop-offs aims to increase this proportion further.
London City Airport, which offers flights to over 30 European destinations including Amsterdam, Spain, and Greece, is notably smaller than London's major hubs, Heathrow and Gatwick. Its location in the Royal Docks is well-connected by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and the Elizabeth Line, making public transport a viable alternative for many.
How London Airports Compare
The introduction of fees at London City brings it in line with other airports in the capital, which have long charged for the convenience of a terminal drop-off.
- Heathrow Airport: Its Terminal Drop-Off Charge is rising from £6 to £7 per visit from 1 January (2026).
- Gatwick Airport: Maintains a minimum charge of £7 for using the designated drop-off zones at its North and South Terminals.
The new policy at London City Airport marks a clear step towards managing traffic and encouraging greener passenger journeys, reflecting a broader trend across UK transport hubs.
