UK Airports to Raise Drop-Off Fees in Early 2026

Several major UK airports are set to increase or introduce drop-off fees in early 2026, aiming to reduce vehicle traffic, lower emissions and offset rising operational costs. The changes, effective from January 1 at London Heathrow and extending through the first week of the month at other hubs, will affect drivers dropping off passengers at facilities including Bristol Airport and London City Airport.

London City Airport, located in east London's Newham borough, will impose its first-ever drop-off charge starting January 6. The fee will be £8 for stays of up to five minutes, with an additional £1 per minute thereafter, capped at a 10-minute maximum. Blue Badge holders and licensed black cab drivers will be exempt. Airport officials stated that the measure supports broader sustainability goals by discouraging short car trips and promoting public transport options, such as the Docklands Light Railway, which connects directly to the terminal and links to central London via nearby Tube stations. Two-thirds of passengers already use public transport, according to the airport, which has proposed incorporating the fee into taxi meters as part of Transport for London's annual fare...