By this time next year private car users entering Heathrow’s terminals could be charged £5 for depositing or picking up passengers.  This would bring it in line with all the other UK major airports who already charge, or are thinking about it.

The airport says it is ‘exploring’ the possibilities and has come up with a new acronym “forecourt access charge” (FAC), a press release stating that “Pandemic impacts have forced airport to alter transport plans in wake of 80% drop in passengers and changed travel behaviours.” 

Consultation has begun with stakeholders around the details of Heathrow’s new proposal, including how the FAC will be administered, with details expected to be finalised in 2021. The fee will apply to all vehicles entering the forecourts of Heathrow’s terminals, although some exceptions will apply such as blue badge holders and emergency vehicles. The full list of exemptions has yet to be finalised. 

The airport points out that passengers already have the alternative option of being dropped at the long stay car parks and travelling to terminals via a free shuttle bus.

www.heathrow.com