Stansted Airport Expansion Plans

Stansted Airport is the latest airport to embark on an ambitious expansion programme. Its growth plans were set in motion when Uttlesford District Council approved the proposed development earlier this month.

The plans will have a massive impact on the economy as it is thought that it could create 5,000 new jobs. It will improve connectivity with fast-growing markets and deliver vastly increased passenger numbers, driving tourism!

Ken O’Toole, CEO of London Stansted: “The decision is great news for the airport, our staff and the growth ambitions of the region, London and the wider UK. It will improve passenger choice and convenience and boost international long-haul routes to fast-growing markets like China, India and the US.” 

The airport has enjoyed record growth this year with October 2018 seeing 205,000 more passengers than the same month last year. As it stands, the airport can accommodate up to 35 million passengers a year, but after the planned expansion, Stansted’s capacity will increase to 43 million!

The plans total a massive £600 million investment volume which over the next five years will deliver:

• A new arrivals terminal
• Upgrades to the existing terminal
• A brand new £40 million baggage delivery and security system
• A new check-in area
• Additional car parks
• 24 extra aircraft parking stands

The expansion will have a major impact on the passenger experience in a variety of ways. The additional aircraft parking will allow the airport to serve a greater choice of flights each day, the existing terminal is getting re-modelled to deliver a modern and spacious departure terminal and there will be a larger departure lounge with more seating, shops, bars and restaurants! An increased number of check-in desks along with advanced security and baggage drop will reduce wait time and make the passenger journey through the airport a faster and more seamless experience.

Paul Willis, Stansted’s transformation director, said: “Our five-year multi-million-pound project will transform the experience for millions of passengers and help unlock the airport’s spare runway capacity, providing passengers with a wider choice of airlines and destinations.”

Across the UK, numerous airports are undergoing expansions or planning them in the near future! The sheer pace of developments and the way in which airports are evolving is truly exciting. Airports are no longer just a place to wait for a flight, they are becoming shopping destinations in their own right, a place to enjoy a gastronomic experience and a chance to experience cutting-edge technological developments. Increased passenger routes, flight times and capacity will allow passengers to travel at their absolute convenience, and the wealth of things to do and see within the terminal should encourage passengers to arrive at the airport earlier than necessary to enjoy all that it has to offer!