Four major UK airports have increased their drop-off fees during the first week of 2026.
London City Airport ended its reign as the only airport in the capital not charging drivers for dropping off loved ones by introducing an £8 fee.
The charge must be paid for parking for up to five minutes – every additional minute after that will cost £1 until you hit the maximum 10-minute stay.
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The airport said the fee will help to “maintain efficient access to the forecourt and support the best possible access for everyone”.
Blue badge holders and black cabs are exempt from the charge.
Gatwick Airport has become the most expensive airport for drop-offs, upping its fee from £7 to £10 for 10 minutes.
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The airport – the second busiest in the UK after Heathrow – only raised its prices to £7 in May last year.
It said increasing costs, including a more than doubling of its business rates, were behind the hike.
It also told Money that it was “not aware” of any further increases coming this year, or a review of the current fee.
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London Heathrow increased its charge from £6 to £7 on New Year’s Day, and introduced a new 10-minute rule in drop-off areas, with drivers who stay any longer facing a fine.
It did confirm to Money that no more increases were planned for this year.
Bristol Airport pushed its fees up from £7 to £8.50 for up to 10 minutes of parking.
Drivers staying between 10 and 20 minutes have also seen their charge go up from £9 to £10.50.
Blue Badge holders are able to use the drop-off car park for an extended stay of 40 minutes, but that will also increase from £7 to £8.50.
