Yet another major London airport is increasing passenger drop-off fees

"London Gatwick, the city's second-biggest aviation hub, has confirmed that it is increasing charges in its drop-off zones by £3 in 2026. From January the fee, which allows drivers to stop outside the terminal for 10 minutes, will be £10. This means that Gatwick will have the highest drop-off charge in the UK. The fee has doubled since LGW initially introduced a drop-off charge in 2021; it increased to £6 in 2024 and £7 in May 2025."

"A Gatwick spokesperson blamed the increase on 'a number of increasing costs', including higher business rates. The spokesperson added: 'The increase in the drop-off charge will support wider efforts to encourage greater use of public transport, helping limit the number of cars and reduce congestion at the entrance to our terminals, alongside funding a number of sustainable transport initiatives.'"

"Passengers being driven to Gatwick can still be dropped off for free at long-stay car parks (for up to two hours), from which they can get a free shuttle bus to terminals. Blue Badge holders are still exempt from drop-off fees at the airport. You can, of course, not use the drop-off zones at all and travel to Gatwick by train. Southern and Thameslink trains serve the airport's rail station, as does the Gatwick Express."

Gatwick will increase its passenger drop-off charge by £3 to £10 for a 10-minute stop, effective 6 January 2026. The fee has doubled since 2021, rising to £6 in 2024 and £7 in May 2025. Gatwick cited rising costs including higher business rates and said the increase aims to encourage greater use of public transport, limit cars and reduce congestion while funding sustainable transport initiatives. Payment options include online, phone or AutoPay. Free drop-off remains available at long-stay car parks for up to two hours with a shuttle, Blue Badge holders are exempt, and trains also serve the airport.

Read at Time Out London