London City Airport has confirmed it will introduce a paid drop-off charge at its terminal forecourt from January 2026, ending its long-standing position as the only major UK airport to offer free terminal drop-offs.
The change has been outlined on the airport’s official website, where London City Airport explains that vehicles using the designated drop-off zone outside the terminal entrance will be required to pay a fee once the scheme goes live. Full details are available directly via the airport’s drop-off information page
According to London City Airport, the new system will be enforced using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. Drivers will be required to pay the charge online, with further guidance on payment methods and pricing expected closer to the launch date.
Free Drop-Off to End at London City Airport
London City Airport has long been popular with business travellers and drivers alike due to its quick, free set-down access directly outside the terminal. From January 2026, this convenience will be removed, bringing the airport in line with charging models already in place at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester.
The airport has confirmed that Blue Badge holders will be exempt from the charge, maintaining accessible drop-off arrangements for passengers with reduced mobility. Other parking options, including short-stay car parks, will remain available for drivers who need to stay longer.
What This Means for Taxi and Private Hire Drivers
For taxi and private hire drivers, the introduction of a drop-off fee represents another unavoidable airport access cost — particularly for short journeys where profit margins are already under pressure.
At other UK airports, similar charges are typically passed on to passengers or absorbed into fixed-fare airport pricing. Drivers serving London City Airport may now need to reassess:
- Fare structures for short airport runs
- Whether to use alternative nearby drop-off points
- The viability of absorbing the cost on fixed-price bookings
Private hire operators offering pre-booked airport transfers are also likely to update pricing to ensure the new charge is clearly included and communicated upfront.
DM News Commentary
This move was widely expected. With congestion, emissions targets and revenue pressures affecting airports nationwide, London City Airport was always likely to follow suit eventually.
However, for an airport that prides itself on speed and convenience, removing free terminal drop-off does chip away at one of its key selling points. For drivers, it reinforces a growing trend: airport access is no longer free anywhere, and every drop-off must now be carefully costed.
For passengers, pre-booked airport transfers that include all charges upfront may become increasingly attractive compared to last-minute drop-offs that come with unexpected fees.
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