Another major airport will join the host of UK hubs in introducinghefty drop-off charges to drivers from next year. London City Airport (LCY) will introduce the fee for the first time from January 6, 2026, it announced on Monday (December 29), joining the likes of Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN).

For drop-offs lasting between zero and five minutes, drivers will be charged £8. Any additional minutes stayed will then be charged at £1 each, up to a maximum of 10 minutes. Disabled people registered as blue badge holders will be exempt from the charge. There is also a proposal to exempt licensed taxis and black cabs from the charge, so that professional drivers will not bear the cost.

"This move is part of our commitment to encourage more travel to and from the airport via public and sustainable transport modes, of which two-thirds of our passengers already use," a spokesperson for London City Airport said.

Transport for London (TfL) is also set to hold an annual public consultation on fares before London City introduces the drop-off fee.

It did not take long for critics to take to social media to condemn the move, with one on X writing: "This is beyond ridiculous. Getting to LCY by public transport takes me 45 minutes, by car it's 15 minutes. When I'm on a 7am flight, I'm not even sure I can get there by public transport. Add a suitcase, even a small one, to multiple transport changes and it becomes really difficult."

Another said: "Your public transport isn't up to that and your business clients often want to work in cab on way - if you kill your advantages people will start using LHR with Elizabeth line - I would rethink!"

"And a happy new year to you, too," a third wrote.

This announcement follows Gatwick Airport's announcement this month that it will increase its minimum charge to £10, up from £7, effective January 6. A £6 charge applies at Heathrow Airport every time a vehicle enters the terminal drop-off areas, while Stansted and Luton Airports will continue to charge £7 from January 6.

Airports defend the move that the fee encourages people to use public transport and helps reduce congestion in the local area.

Many airports utilise automated payment systems, enabling payments to be made online or by phone, and impose strict fines for late payments. For example, Heathrow's penalties are £80, reduced if paid quickly.