London airport introduces drop-off charge from January 2026

London City Airport (LCY) will introduce a drop-off charge for the first time from January 2026, joining London-Heathrow (LHR), London-Gatwick (LGW), London-Stansted (STN) and Luton Airport (LTN) which already require a payment from drivers.

On December 29, 2025, London City Airport said there would be a new $10 (£8) charge for drop-offs lasting up to five minutes from January 6, 2025.

Additional minutes will be charged at $1 (£1) each up to a maximum drop-off time of 10 minutes. Disabled people registered as blue badge holders will be exempt from the charge.

“This move is part of our commitment to encourage more travel to and from the airport via public and sustainable transport modes, of which two-thirds of our passengers already use,” said a spokesperson for London City Airport.

There is also a proposal for licensed taxis and black cabs to be exempt so that professional drivers will not bear the cost of the charge.

London City AirportTransport for London (TfL) is due to hold an annual public consultation on fares before London City introduces the drop-off fee.

A proposal from London City that the drop-off charge is formally included in the meter is included in the TfL consultation and is already part of an agreement with other major London airports.

A $8 (£6) charge applies at Heathrow every time a vehicle enters the terminal drop-off areas while at Gatwick, Stansted and Luton Airport the fee is $9 (£7).

In December 2025, it was announced that Gatwick would be increasing its minimum charge to £10 ($13) from January 6, 2025.

Drop-off fees at airports have proven to be a contentious issue with many passengers unhappy with the charge that for many years was free.

However, airports defend the move that the fee encourages people to use public transport and helps reduce congestion in the local area.

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