FREE DROP-OFF TO END: London City Airport will introduce vehicle drop-off charge in bid to cut congestion

London City Airport will introduce a drop-off charge for all vehicles by the end of the year, becoming the last major UK airport to apply such a fee.

The upcoming charge will not apply to Blue Badge holders. According to the airport, the new measure is designed to support its wider sustainability objectives, which include cutting vehicle movements and reducing emissions in the local area.

This move is aligned with City Hall’s aim to shift 80% of journeys in London to walking, cycling or public transport by 2041. With its central location in East London, London City already sees more than two-thirds of its passengers using sustainable travel options such as the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Car usage accounts for just 10% of passenger journeys, the lowest figure among UK airports.

As part of its wider transport strategy, the airport has also contributed to the funding of the new DLR fleet now being introduced. It continues to work with Transport for London (TfL) to enhance connectivity and increase access to public transport options.

Before applying the drop-off charge to licensed taxis, TfL will hold its annual public consultation on fares. This consultation will include a proposal from the airport to incorporate the new drop-off fee within the taxi fare meter. This would follow the approach used at other London airports, ensuring taxi drivers are not left out of pocket by the new charge.

Despite the upcoming fee, the airport continues to be promoted as one of the most accessible in the capital. Located close to central London and easily reached by public transport, it serves more than half of all Londoners with short travel times.

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London City Airport has also seen a series of recent accolades. It was recently voted “Best Airport in the UK” in the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and previously recognised as “London’s Best Airport” by both The Daily Telegraph and Which?.

What do other London Airport’s charge?

Heathrow

£6 per entry to any forecourt, payable online/phone by midnight the next day. Blue Badge holders can register for a 100% discount.

Gatwick

£7 for 10 minutes, then £1 per minute up to 20 minutes. Maximum daily charge £27 and maximum stay 30 minutes. Two hours’ free drop-off in Long Stay via shuttle. Blue Badge holders can pre-register for a free 30-minute drop-off.

Stansted

Express Set Down is barrierless: £7 up to 15 minutes, £25 over 15 minutes, max stay 30 minutes. Pay online/phone by midnight next day. No Blue Badge exemption in Express Set Down; free 60 minutes available in Mid Stay.

Luton

Pick Up & Drop Off Zone: £7 for 10 minutes, then £1 per minute, 30-minute max; pay online by midnight next day. Blue Badge holders aren’t exempt in the main zone, but get 30 minutes free in Terminal Car Park 1 (and reduced rates thereafter). Long Stay offers 2 hours free for pick-ups with shuttle.

Southend

Pick-up/drop-off is in Short Stay: 0–5 mins £7; 5–30 mins £15. Blue Badge bays are provided, charges apply, and extra time can be requested at the barrier/help point.

London City

Currently free at the forecourt, with 30 minutes free in the main car park for Blue Badge holders. The airport has confirmed a drop-off charge will start by the end of 2025; fee level and start date are still to be announced.