London's airports are changing how drop-off and pick-up work in 2026. Charges are going up, time limits are getting tighter, and you'll need to pay online for those quick stops at the terminal.
This affects Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City — though each airport sets its own prices and conditions. They all use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to track who's coming and going.
Worth knowing before you turn up: miss a payment or overstay your welcome and you're looking at penalty charges. A quick check of the rules beforehand can save you hassle when you're rushing to catch a flight.
Note: at most London airports, pick-up arrangements are linked to the same zones and charging systems as drop-off, or are managed through nearby short-stay parking areas.
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Why Drop-Off Rules Are Changing in London Airports
The main driver here is environmental targets — airports are trying to cut down on the number of private cars idling right outside terminals. Congestion on access roads has also become a problem, especially during peak times when too many vehicles can affect safety and how smoothly the airport operates.
London's not alone in this. It's part of a broader UK trend where paid and closely controlled drop-off zones have become standard at most major airports. This reflects wider transport and sustainability policies that have been building for years.
Price
The terminal drop-off charge is set at £7 per visit.
Time limit
The maximum permitted stay is up to 10 minutes. Exceeding this limit is treated as a breach of the drop-off conditions.
Payment method
Payment is made online:
- in advance, before entering the drop-off zone, or
- by midnight the following day after using the zone.
Payment is linked to the vehicle registration number via ANPR.
Penalties
Exceeding the allowed time or failing to pay the charge within the specified period may result in a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).
Effective date: the updated rules apply from 2026 (the exact implementation date is confirmed in official airport notices).
Official source: www.heathrow.com
Price
£10 for a stop of up to 10 minutes in the Terminal Drop-Off zone.
Time limit
The standard charge applies for 10 minutes. Staying longer may result in additional charges in line with the airport’s official rules.
Payment method
Payment must be made online, either in advance or by midnight the following day after using the drop-off zone.
ANPR technology is used to record vehicle entry.
Penalties
Failure to pay or breach of the drop-off conditions may result in a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).
Effective date: 6 January 2026
Official source: www.gatwickairport.com
Price
£7 per use of the Express Set Down zone.
Time limit
The zone is intended for short stops only to allow passengers to be dropped off quickly. Exceeding the permitted time may result in a higher charge, as set out in the airport’s official conditions.
Payment method
Payment can be made online or by phone – by midnight the following day after using the zone.
ANPR is used to manage access and enforcement.
Penalties
If payment is not made, a Parking Charge Notice may be issued (the charge level is defined in the airport’s terms and conditions).
Effective date: current rules apply throughout 2025–2026.
Official source: www.stanstedairport.com
Price
£7 for the first 10 minutesfollowed by £1 per additional minute.
Time limit
The maximum stay in the zone is 30 minutes.
Payment method
Payment is made online after using the zone, based on ANPR data – by midnight the following day.
Penalties
Exceeding the maximum stay or failing to pay may result in a penalty charge, with details set out in the airport’s official rules.
Effective date: current charges and conditions apply in 2025–2026.
Official source: www.london-luton.co.uk
Price
The expected charge is around £7 for a short stop (the final tariff is confirmed closer to the implementation date).
Time limit
Terminal drop-off will be subject to strict time limits, as defined by the airport’s drop-off zone rules.
Payment method
Payment will be made online using an ANPR-based system.
Penalties
Failure to pay or to comply with the conditions of use may result in penalty charges.
Effective date: January 2026
Official source: www.londoncityairport.com
Key Takeaways for Passengers
If you're dropping someone off at a London airport in 2026, expect to pay. Charges are higher than they used to be, and time limits are taken seriously — overstay and you'll rack up extra fees or penalties pretty quickly.
Payment's usually done online, often after you've already used the drop-off zone, through ANPR systems. Because prices, time allowances and payment deadlines aren't the same at every airport, it pays to check the specific rules beforehand. Saves you from any unwelcome surprises when you're already running late.
