Heathrow Imposes New Time and Fee Limits on Drop Offs in Bid to Ease Congestion

Heathrow Airport will introduce a strict 10 minute cap for drivers at terminal forecourts from January; those exceeding this period will face an £80 penalty. The changes accompany a rise in the basic drop off charge from £6 to £7, a move intended to reduce congestion and improve vehicle flows at Britain’s busiest airport. Heathrow states these measures will enhance the customer experience by discouraging lengthy goodbyes and preventing overcrowding in limited terminal space.

Historically, Heathrow has refrained from imposing limits on drop off durations, setting it apart from other major UK airports. Gatwick and Luton already enforce 10 minute constraints with £7 starting charges; these airports allow drivers to remain longer at an incremental fee of £1 per minute beyond the initial period, capped at 30 minutes and £27. Manchester and Stansted levy slightly lower fees but enforce a flat £25 charge for extended stays in drop off zones.

The introduction of a ten minute rule brings Heathrow in line with these practices and aims to incentivise use of alternative, more sustainable forms of transport. Heathrow estimates that 95 per cent of drop offs currently fall within the proposed time limit, suggesting the new cap should have minimal impact on the majority of travellers. Airport representatives argue that the absence of such restrictions has exacerbated forecourt congestion and impeded efficient traffic management during peak periods.

Some critics, including the Business Travel Association, express concern that higher fees and rigid time rules penalise passengers and their families unnecessarily. Clive Wratten, the Association’s chief executive, asserts that the measures do little to enhance passenger experience or reliability of access, instead adding financial pressure at a time of rising costs for travellers.

Heathrow has clarified that blue badge holders will remain exempt from drop off charges and time limits, provided they register their visits in advance. The airport insists the policy supports better airside access for all users and encourages a shift towards greener modes of transit. For those who breach the time restriction or fail to pay the drop off charge, the £80 penalty is reduced to £40 if settled within 14 days.

The adjustments place Heathrow’s pricing and enforcement regime on par with its leading competitors, representing a significant change to customer behaviour at the airport’s forecourts and altering the economics of passenger drop offs for travellers and industry stakeholders alike.