DRIVERS FACE £80 FINE AT HEATHROW AIRPORT – Heathrow is implementing a strict 10-minute time limit for all terminal drop-offs starting in January
Britain’s busiest airport, Heathrow, is implementing a strict 10-minute time limit for all terminal drop-offs starting in January. Drivers who take too long to unload luggage or bid farewell to loved ones will face an immediate £80 fine for overstaying the welcome.
The new maximum stay policy is part of a fee shake-up that will also see the basic drop-off charge increase by 17%—from £6 to £7.
Unlike most other major UK airports, Heathrow has not previously restricted the duration of drop-offs. The airport claims the new 10-minute cap, which will apply across all terminal forecourts, is necessary to ease congestion and improve traffic flow. Heathrow asserts that 95% of all drop-offs currently take less than 10 minutes, expecting the time limit to have a “minimal impact.”
The airport stated that the £7 basic charge—backed by the £80 penalty for non-payment (reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days)—brings its fee structure in line with other airports like Gatwick and Luton, which typically allow over-stayers to pay by the minute instead of issuing a hefty fine. It also noted the changes are partly aimed at encouraging travel options with a lower environmental impact.
Blue-badge holders will be exempt from both the £7 charge and the new maximum stay limit, provided they register their trip in advance.
