London City Airport will introduce a new drop‑off charge from 6 January 2026, as part of its wider strategy to encourage passengers to use public and sustainable transport.
The airport says two‑thirds of travellers already arrive by public transport, and the new system is designed to support that shift while managing congestion at the terminal forecourt.
Drivers will pay £8 for the first 0–5 minutes, followed by £1 per additional minute, with a maximum stay of 10 minutes. Blue Badge holders will be exempt from the charge.
Before the fee is applied to licensed taxis, Transport for London (TfL) will run its annual public consultation on fares. London City has proposed that the drop‑off charge be formally added to the taxi meter, mirroring arrangements at other major London airports. If approved, black cab drivers will not bear the cost themselves.
Important Guidelines for Drivers
The airport has issued several operational rules ahead of the change:
- Do not wait in your vehicle or leave it unattended on the forecourt, as this may result in a penalty charge.
- Traffic is monitored by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, and overstays will be enforced.
- Collecting passengers? Drivers must use the Short Stay car park, not the forecourt.
- Assisted travel: Passengers requiring support can access dedicated assistance services via the airport’s official channels.
London City says the new charge will help manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and align the airport with sustainability practices already in place across the UK aviation sector.