Heathrow Airport has announced changes to its passenger drop-off arrangements, introducing a time limit and increasing fees for the first time.
From January, the airport will raise its terminal drop-off fee from £6 to £7. Travellers will be allowed 10 minutes in the drop-off areas before a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) can be issued.
Passengers can pre-pay online or by phone, but must do so before midnight the following day to avoid an £80 fine.
A Heathrow spokesperson said the changes are designed to “smooth traffic flow and reducing congestion.” They added: “It helps reduce congestion, encourages public transport use, and ensures our forecourts are used for their intended purpose.”
The airport emphasised that free drop-off and pick-up options remain available at all Park and Ride car parks for each terminal. They noted that 95% of passenger visits to the terminal drop-off zones were under 10 minutes.
Other London airports have similar charges. Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Southend airports all charge a minimum of £7 for drop-offs, while London City airport offers the service for free.
