London Luton Airport has increased its drop-off fee for the second time in less than a year, with drivers now paying £9 for 12 minutes when taking passengers to the terminal.
The latest increase follows a previous rise to £7 in September 2025, when the airport raised its charge by 40 per cent. The move adds to a wider increase in airport access costs across the UK as more facilities introduce higher fees for short passenger drop-offs.
New Charges Introduced At London Luton
According to Independant, London Luton Airport has increased the cost of its terminal drop-off zone as part of changes affecting drivers bringing passengers to the airport.
Drivers who stay beyond the 12-minute allowance will pay £1 per minute, with a maximum stay of 30 minutes. Payments must be completed online or by phone by midnight the day after the visit to avoid additional charges.
The airport said the move is “to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport to and from the airport, and to maintain efficient traffic flow in and around the terminal”.
Passengers arriving in a fully electric vehicle can access a reduced tariff when using Terminal Car Park 1. The airport also offers two hours of free parking in its long stay car park for passengers being dropped off or collected.
Uk Airports Increase Passenger Drop-Off Costs
The increase at London Luton Airport follows a broader rise in airport drop-off charges across the country.
A survey by the RAC found that 16 of 20 UK airports examined had increased their “kiss and fly” charges since summer 2025. The average increase across those airports was around a third.
The charges apply to drivers who want to leave passengers as close as possible to terminal entrances, a service that has become more expensive at many major airports.
Gatwick And Stansted Remain Among The Most Expensive
The RAC analysis found that Gatwick Airport and Stansted Airport currently have some of the highest drop-off fees in the UK.
Gatwick charges £10 for 10 minutes, while Stansted charges £10 for 15 minutes for drivers using their designated drop-off areas.
The changes come as airports continue to adjust transport policies around terminals, with some encouraging passengers to use public transport options instead of private cars.
London Luton Promotes Alternatives To Car Journeys
London Luton Airport has also promoted alternative travel options during periods of high passenger demand.
In August, the airport offered free bus travel for passengers travelling to and from the airport as part of efforts to reduce car use during what it described as its busiest summer on record.
The airport’s new £9 drop-off charge is now in effect for drivers using the terminal drop-off zone.
