Stansted Airport has submitted plans to boost passenger numbers to 51 million

In 2024 Stansted saw its busiest year ever, with just under 30 million passengers passing through its halls. Now it plans to get even bigger, as the airport has just applied for permission to host a whopping 51 million travellers each year. 

The Essex flight hub has already started work on its £1 billion makeover that was announced in 2023, and has unveiled images of what that might look like here. 

Currently, Stansted has permission to for up to 43 million passengers per year. It has just applied to Uttlesford District Council to allow it to increase the limit to 51 million over the next 20 years.

Stansted owner Manchester Airports Group said there were no plans to build a second runway, but to make use of of the number of flights already permitted at the airport. 

If approved, roughly 4,500 jobs will be created at Stansted, however not everyone is on board with the plans. Hertfordshire County Council urged Stansted to halt its expansion over concerns about air quality and noise levels. In a recent consultation, more than 2,800 people and groups responded to the plans. 

Gareth Powell, Stansted’s managing director, said: ‘We’ve listened carefully to all the feedback from our neighbours, which has helped shape our plans to grow London Stansted in the most sustainable and responsible way possible.

‘We have already kicked off our five-year £1.2 billion investment programme to transform the airport, and if this application is approved, we will be able to unlock even more local opportunities and improvements over the next 20 years.

‘Making the best use of our existing runway will help create more jobs and training schemes, better facilities for passengers and provide more seats to an even greater choice of destinations.

‘We have an exciting and ambitious vision for London Stansted and how we best serve our region, so I’m asking for local people to lend their support so we can make this plan a reality.’ 

London City Airport is massively expanding with millions more passengers. 

There is now a new cheaper and greener way to get to London Stansted Airport.