London Gatwick is increasing its drop-off charges to £10 from January 6, 2026, with the airport citing increasing costs following the UK's Autumn Budget.
“This increase in the drop-off charge is not a decision we have taken lightly; however, we are facing a number of increasing costs, including a more than doubling of our business rates,” a spokesperson for London Gatwick said.
A £5 drop-off fee was first introduced in 2021, which was increased to £6 last year and hiked again to £7 in May this year.
The spokesperson referenced an FT report which said that, over the next three years, the airport's business rates will rise from their current level of £40 million to £90 million per year.
The spokesperson added that the increased drop-off fees will support “wider efforts to encourage greater use of public transport” — boosting sustainability while also reducing congestion at its terminals.
Passengers can still be dropped off for free at London Gatwick's long-stay car parks, which offer free shuttles to the terminal. Additionally, Blue Badge holders — a UK parking permit for people with severe mobility issues — are still exempt from drop-off charges.
