New research from Airport Parking and Hotels has reveals the scale of higher costs for travellers being dropped off at English and Scottish airports starting in January 2026.
The guide on the website assists drivers in understanding drop-off fees, short-stay parking options, and free alternatives at major sites. Known as kiss and fly, these charges for picking up or dropping off passengers now exceed fuel and mileage expenses at many locations.
At London Heathrow, the fee for a 10-minute stay will increase from €7.20 to €8.40 from 1 January 2026. London Gatwick will raise its drop-off cost from €8.40 to €12 for the same duration from 6 January 2026. Edinburgh Airport plans a rise to €7.20 for 10 minutes on 13 January 2026, with extra fees for extended periods.
Manchester Airport charges begin at €6 for five minutes, allowing up to 30 minutes. Birmingham Airport provides free drop-offs for 10 minutes, but premium areas cost €7.20 for 15 minutes. Bristol Airport imposes higher rates beyond the initial €8.40 for 10 minutes.
Research reveals increases to airport drop-off and pick-up charges from January 2026 at major UK sites.
London Heathrow fee rises from €7.20 to €8.40 for 10 minutes, London Gatwick from €8.40 to €12, and Edinburgh to €7.20.
Manchester starts at €6 for five minutes, Birmingham offers free for 10 minutes with premium at €7.20 for 15 minutes, and Bristol higher beyond €8.40 for 10 minutes.
Blue Badge concessions differ, with free access at Heathrow if registered in advance, extra time at Aberdeen, and standard fees at Cardiff outside designated bays.
Failure to pay on time leads to penalties, such as up to €96 at Heathrow reduced to €48 within 14 days, and €120 at Stansted reduced to €72 early.
Nick Caunter shared “With most English airports seeing large increases in their overheads such as business rates, there’s inevitably been a direct impact on prices they pass on to consumers such as airport drop-off fees. However, travellers can bypass these rising costs by checking the APH guide ahead of time or through more savvy alternatives such as pre-booking airport parking.”
