Even though Brexit is officially finalized in 2021, London Heathrow (LHR) is still officially considered Europe’s busiest airport and a major hub for transatlantic travel and flights across the continent.
London Heathrow Airport will handle 83.9 million passengers in 2024, setting a new record, and the airport will continue to work hard to meet the infrastructure needs of growing passenger numbers.
As part of measures to ease traffic flow, London Heathrow Airport is also currently increasing the fee for passenger drop-offs from £6 to £7 ($8 to $9.30), while also removing the 10-minute limit on drop-offs.
“Future terminal drop-off pricing will be reviewed on an annual basis, alongside car park pricing, with further consultation where required,” Heathrow Ltd wrote in a report on December 1. The company said it had reviewed practices at other UK airports and would take steps to “ease congestion and improve traffic flow”.
The change will take effect on the first day of 2026 and will affect anyone driving into the airport’s four passenger terminals without parking for an extended period of time. Anyone staying longer than the 10-minute limit will be fined £40, which can reach up to £80 if not paid within 14 days.
Those who fail to pay the £7 fee online within 24 hours of arriving at the airport could also end up receiving a £40 fine at their vehicle’s registered address. While these fines are already in place, documents released by London Heathrow Airport promise increased enforcement.
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Although London Heathrow Airport insists the fee increase will only have minimal impact on the 95 per cent of drivers who do not exceed the 10-minute limit, the proposal immediately sparked anger among those who regularly drive into the airport.
Clive Wratten, president of the British Business Travel Association, said in a statement quoted by European Business Travel News, “Heathrow Airport’s decision to increase terminal drop-off charges to £7 and impose a strict 10-minute limit is yet another example of rising airport charges impacting those who keep our economy going.”
“Business travelers are penalized [British spelling] The moment they arrive at the airport. There is almost no reason for this. “
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In 2023, Dunedin Airport (DUD) on New Zealand’s South Island sparked similar outrage when it launched an advertising campaign asking drivers delivering passengers to maintain a “maximum hug length.” [to] Three minutes. “
While intended as a light-hearted way to remind drivers to keep drop-off areas clear, what many believed was the airport’s practice of monitoring people’s emotions immediately went viral on the internet.
“We’re not here to tell people how long they should hug,” Dunedin Airport chief executive Dan DeBono eventually had to explain amid the outcry. “It was more of a please ‘keep going’ message. If it takes longer, just get in the car park.”
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This article was originally published by TheStreet on December 3, 2025, and first appeared in the Travel section. Click here to add TheStreet as your preferred source.