Heathrow Airport Now Raises Drop-Off Fee to Seven Euro, Sparking Backlash from Business Travel Sector

Published on December 3, 2025

Heathrow Airport has faced strong criticism from the UK’s business travel sector after announcing a rise in its terminal drop-off charge to £7 and a strict 10-minute time limit for drop-offs. These changes will take effect on 1 January 2024. Industry leaders have responded with backlash, claiming the move unfairly punishes business travelers. The airport quietly revealed the drop-off fee increase, which was previously £6, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). This announcement led to an outcry from business groups like the Business Travel Association (BTA). The BTA, representing corporate travel interests, has called these changes an additional burden on businesses and professionals already dealing with rising travel costs, higher taxes, and growing challenges to regional connectivity.

The Impact on Business Travelers

The new £7 fee and 10-minute limit apply to the drop-off areas at Heathrow’s terminals, which are commonly used by business travelers to quickly drop off colleagues or clients. Critics argue that this rise in charges and the strict time constraint come at a time when businesses are already under financial strain due to higher travel expenses and the ongoing economic uncertainty.

Heathrow’s Efforts to Manage Congestion

Heathrow first introduced a drop-off charge in 2021, as part of an initiative to manage congestion at its terminals and recoup some of the lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting collapse in passenger numbers. However, the airport’s decision to raise the fee further has been met with resistance from the business travel sector, which sees these increases as an obstacle to the airport’s status as the UK’s leading international travel hub.

While Heathrow’s move to introduce the drop-off fee was initially seen as a temporary measure to manage post-pandemic congestion, many argue that the repeated increases in these charges are starting to create friction for travelers, particularly business professionals who rely on smooth, efficient access to the airport. Business travel groups have expressed concern that such fees may undermine Heathrow’s reputation as a world-class hub, making it more difficult for business travelers to conduct time-sensitive work efficiently.

Increased Costs for Businesses and Travelers

The criticism of Heathrow’s new drop-off charges follows broader concerns within the UK business travel community about rising travel costs. In addition to airport charges, business travelers are facing higher taxes on airline tickets, increased fuel prices, and restrictions on flight options due to reduced regional connectivity.

The BTA has warned that these changes will lead to higher overall travel costs for companies, with businesses being forced to absorb the increased fees. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular, these additional costs may further limit their ability to conduct business efficiently, potentially impacting productivity and profitability.

Moreover, the new 10-minute limit for drop-off areas may also pose challenges for travelers who need more time to complete their drop-off procedures, particularly during peak travel times. The imposition of such a strict limit is expected to create congestion, further complicating access to the airport for travelers, particularly for those with tight schedules.

Heathrow’s Response and Future Plans

In response to the backlash, Heathrow Airport has emphasized that the new charges are part of a broader effort to improve the airport’s infrastructure and service standards. The airport has stated that the funds raised from the new fees will be reinvested into the terminal facilities to enhance the overall passenger experience and to reduce congestion in the long term.

Heathrow has also noted that the introduction of the drop-off charge was intended to address the operational challenges posed by high volumes of traffic at its terminals. The airport’s management has argued that the fees will help manage demand more effectively and maintain a smoother flow of passengers through the airport.

Despite these claims, the business travel sector remains concerned that the rising costs and additional restrictions will negatively impact the airport’s reputation, particularly as competition between international hubs intensifies. Corporate travel groups are calling for a more balanced approach to airport charges, one that takes into account the specific needs of business travelers, who play a significant role in supporting the UK economy.

The Future of Business Travel at Heathrow

As Heathrow keeps raising its charges, business travel groups are urging the airport to rethink its strategy. This comes at a time when the UK is still recovering from the pandemic. In an uncertain economy, companies that depend on smooth international travel must have competitive access to Heathrow. Business leaders want clearer communication between Heathrow and the business community. They emphasize the importance of considering the needs of business travelers when forming new policies. As the UK government aims to improve regional transport and boost economic growth, airport policies will significantly impact the future of business travel.