The government has confirmed it will review drop-off charges at UK airports, including Heathrow, after prices rose sharply across the country over the past year.
The Department for Transport said on 14 October that a review was "vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly". It added that it hoped airports would "exercise restraint on rises, particularly where there are limited public transport alternatives", BBC News reported.
Heathrow's own Terminal Drop-Off Charge, which applies to vehicles stopping in the designated zones directly outside the terminals, rose from £6 to £7 per visit from 1 January 2026, according to the airport's own passenger updates page. Free drop-off remains available at Heathrow's Park & Ride car parks, and discounts and exemptions apply for some passengers.
Across the wider sector, analysis by the RAC found prices at major UK airports have risen by around a third since the summer of 2025 on average. Gatwick and Stansted were found to have the highest charges, up from £7 to £10, while Edinburgh rose from £6 to £8.50. London City, which only introduced a drop-off charge in 2026, was found to be the most expensive on a per-minute basis.
The RAC, which has campaigned against the fees for several years, welcomed the announcement. "We know airport drop-off charges are a growing source of anger and frustration," said Rod Dennis, the RAC's senior policy officer. "Four-in-five drivers we've surveyed believe they are a 'rip-off', with just one-in-10 understanding why airports charge what they do." The RAC noted that none of the 10 busiest airports in the European Union charge drivers for dropping off passengers.
It is not yet clear when the review will conclude or whether it could lead to price caps, a mandatory free grace period, or new powers for the Civil Aviation Authority, which does not currently regulate drop-off charges. MPs have previously raised the issue in Westminster Hall debates on behalf of constituents affected by similar charges at airports including Manchester.
The review comes as Heathrow separately pushes the government for a decision on its proposed third runway, with chief executive Thomas Woldbye warning this week that delay risked becoming a "huge missed opportunity".
What this means for your journey: if you are planning to drop off or collect passengers at Heathrow, using the free Park & Ride car parks instead of the terminal forecourts will avoid the £7 charge while the review is under way. /parking/