Overview
- The forecourt fee rises 43% from £7 to £10 for a 10‑minute stop on January 6, 2026, making Gatwick £3 pricier than any other UK airport.
- Gatwick says its business rates have more than doubled; Ryan’s analysis of VOA data points to a £11.9m increase to £51.6m in 2026–27 under a 30% cap on first‑year rises.
- Airport officials say the charge is intended to reduce terminal‑area congestion and fund sustainable transport, including a £1m Metrobus investment in 2025.
- Blue Badge holders remain exempt, and drivers can drop off for free in long‑stay car parks with a shuttle; taxi and minicab operators are expected to pass on the fee.
- Heathrow will lift its drop‑off fee to £7 on January 1, 2026, several others already charge £7, and London City plans to introduce a fee later this month.