Why Airport Drop-Off Fees Are on the Rise
From 6 January 2026, Gatwick Airport dramatically increases its passenger drop-off charge to £10, making it the most expensive drop-off fee in the UK. This represents a roughly 43 % hike from the previous £7 fee and applies to anyone stopping in the airport’s designated drop-off zone outside the North and South terminals. Yahoo News
Gatwick has defended the increase, saying it’s partly due to rising business rates and aims to reduce congestion and encourage greater use of public transport — though critics say it adds another burden on travellers and drivers assisting loved ones. Yahoo Finance
This rise at Gatwick is part of a much broader trend, with many airports charging drivers simply to stop for a few minutes to let passengers out near terminals.
UK Drop-Off Fees: A Growing Norm Across Airports
Airport drop-off and so-called “kiss and fly” charges are now commonplace at UK airports:
- Heathrow Airport increased its drop-off fee from £6 to £7 on 1 January 2026, with a strict 10-minute limit before penalties apply if drivers overstay. Time Out Worldwide
- London City Airport, which previously had no terminal drop-off charge, introduced a new fee of £8 for up to five minutes from 6 January 2026. Longer stays incur extra per-minute charges. AeroTime
- Stansted, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, Southampton, and other regional airports already charge around £7 for quick drop-offs. The Standard
- Smaller airports such as Southend Airport have scrapped previously free drop-off periods in favour of structured charges — for example, £7 for up to five minutes in some cases. Your Southend
- Other airports like Manchester Airport have introduced barrier-less pay-by-plate systems, adding automation to how these fees are collected. Yahoo News
According to RAC data, more than half of the UK’s busiest airports have raised drop-off fees in recent years, turning what was once a quick and free farewell into an everyday travel cost. The Standard
Why Are Airports Charging These Fees?
Airports argue that drop-off charges help:
- Manage congestion in front of busy terminals.
- Reduce emissions by encouraging use of public transport or longer-stay car parks.
- Generate revenue to offset rising operational costs — such as business rates, infrastructure upgrades, and sustainability initiatives. Yahoo Finance
Most airports still offer free alternatives — such as long-stay car parks with complimentary shuttle buses or more distant free zones — but these often require extra time and planning. MoneySavingExpert.com
What It Means for Travellers
For many drivers, these fees represent a noticeable travel cost, especially for frequent flyers or those assisting family members with luggage or special needs. With charges now standard at major UK hubs and penalties for overstaying, planning ahead has never been more important.
Tips to avoid high fees:
- Use designated free drop-off areas further from terminals, even if that means a short shuttle bus or walk. MoneySavingExpert.com
- Pre-pay online where available to avoid fines for non-payment. Time Out Worldwide
- Consider public transport options — trains, buses, or shared rides often prove cheaper and eco-friendly.
What About Abroad?
Drop-off fees are far less common in many international airports, particularly in the United States, where the majority of major airports still allow free access to terminal drop-off areas or offer “cell-phone lots” where drivers can wait at no charge until passengers call. Lease Fetcher
That contrast makes the UK trend stand out — and means travellers used to free drop-offs elsewhere may be surprised by the additional costs at home.
Airport drop-off fees are becoming a fixture of modern travel, driven by congestion management, sustainability goals, and airport revenue pressures. From Gatwick’s £10 charge to new fees at London City and Heathrow, understanding these costs ahead of time can help passengers and drivers plan smarter, save money, and avoid unexpected charges at the start of a journey.
By Stephen Forster at 5 Jan 2026