London Heathrow Airport has announced it may soon start charging drivers £5 to drop off passengers outside terminals.
The airport, like much of the industry, has been severely impacted financially by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
As such, the airport’s operator has said it is currently exploring the possibility of introducing a mandatory charge on any vehicles using the terminal departure forecourts.
If implemented, any vehicles using the forecourts to drop passengers off or pick them up directly outside the terminals will be charged £5.
The Forecourt Access Charge, or FAC, could be brought in by the end of 2021, Heathrow Airport said.
Tony Caccavone, Heathrow director of surface access, said, “The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been severe, especially on the aviation industry with Heathrow passenger numbers down over 80 per cent and the business losing £5 million a day.
“These changes will help us to protect the business financially and save jobs in the short term, whilst also allowing us to stay on track for our long-term goals of providing safe, sustainable, and affordable transport options into the future.”
