Passengers and drivers are facing a significant increase in the cost of dropping off loved ones at several major UK airports, as new fees come into effect for 2026. Four key airports have raised their charges in the first week of January, with one now demanding as much as £10 for a short stop.
Which Airports Have Increased Their Fees?
The changes affect some of the country's busiest travel hubs. London Gatwick Airport now holds the title of the most expensive, having increased its fee from £7 to £10 for a 10-minute stay. This marks the second hike in under a year, following a rise to £7 in May 2025.
London Heathrow Airport also increased its charge, moving from £6 to £7 on New Year's Day. Heathrow has simultaneously introduced a new 10-minute maximum stay rule in its drop-off areas, with drivers who overstay facing a financial penalty.
Meanwhile, London City Airport has ended its status as the only airport in the capital not to charge for drop-offs. It has introduced an £8 fee for a stay of up to five minutes, with every additional minute costing £1, up to a maximum stay of 10 minutes.
Outside London, Bristol Airport has pushed its fees up from £7 to £8.50 for a stay of up to 10 minutes. Drivers staying between 10 and 20 minutes will now pay £10.50, up from £9.
Reasons Behind the Price Hikes
The airports have cited rising operational costs as the primary driver for the increases. A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport pointed to a more than doubling of its business rates as a key factor behind its decision to raise the fee to £10.
London City Airport stated that its new £8 charge will help to "maintain efficient access to the forecourt and support the best possible access for everyone." Both Heathrow and Gatwick have confirmed to consumer finance publications that no further increases are currently planned for the remainder of 2026.
Exemptions and Concessions
There are some important exemptions to these new charges that drivers should be aware of:
- Blue Badge holders are exempt from the charge at London City Airport and can use the drop-off car park at Bristol Airport for an extended 40-minute stay (now priced at £8.50, up from £7).
- Black cabs are also exempt from the new fee at London City Airport.
These increases highlight the growing cost of airport access for ordinary travellers and those seeing them off. With fees now reaching double figures for a brief stop, passengers are advised to factor these new costs into their travel budgets or explore alternative transport options to the terminal.
