Aviation News – London City Airport has confirmed it will introduce an £8 vehicle drop-off charge from 6 January 2026, aligning with similar congestion measures at major London airports and aiming to manage traffic flow on its compact site.
The airport announced that drivers who remain on site longer than five minutes will pay an additional £1 per minute, underscoring efforts to reduce congestion and emissions at one of the capital’s busiest business airports.
The plan, previously announced and now formally confirmed, places London City Airport alongside Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton, all of which already charge motorists for terminal access, with fees ranging from £6 to £10 depending on location and date of travel.
Under the new system, payments must be made online, while automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will monitor vehicle entry and exit times to ensure compliance, streamlining enforcement without physical barriers.
A spokesperson for London City Airport said the charge is designed “to encourage more sustainable travel choices, reduce congestion around the terminal, and improve the overall passenger experience.”
The airport is also considering a separate arrangement to exempt or reduce charges for licensed taxi drivers, reflecting the role of professional transport services in serving business and commuter traffic.
With road access charges becoming standard across London’s airports, the move highlights a broader shift toward demand management and environmental policy, signaling that private car use at airports is likely to become increasingly regulated in the years ahead.
Photo Rob Vogelaar
