Stansted Aims for 51M Passengers by 2040s
London Stansted Airport (STN) has launched a formal public consultation on its draft Sustainable Development Plan, which proposes increasing annual passenger capacity from 43 million to 51 million by the 2040s. The plan outlines how STN, owned by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, intends to make the most of its single runway without raising the current limit of 274,000 aircraft movements per year. This comes on the heels of the airport’s record-breaking 2024 passenger count of 29.8 million—an achievement that surpassed its 2019 total of 28.1 million.
The public consultation period, running from February 4 to March 10, invites local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to share their perspectives on the proposed expansion. According to STN’s statement, the airport aims to accommodate more passengers by deploying larger and more efficient aircraft models, rather than by adding flights. This strategy not only boosts passenger capacity but also helps maintain existing air traffic movement limits.
To meet the growing demand, STN is already undergoing significant infrastructure improvements. A £600 million extension to its existing passenger terminal is in progress, part of a broader £1.1 billion investment plan. The terminal expansion will add 16,500 square meters to the facility and include a 14.3-megawatt onsite solar farm, helping the airport reach its goal of operating on 100% renewable energy by 2038. Construction of the terminal extension is slated to begin in 2025 and is expected to last two to three years, fitting within the airport’s five-year upgrade timeline. Alongside the terminal work, STN plans additional taxiway improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
Addressing road congestion around the airport also features prominently in Stansted’s development blueprint. Airport officials have outlined plans to invest in local bus services, reduce bottlenecks near the terminal, and encourage the use of public transportation options like the Stansted Express rail service. Their goal is for at least half of all arriving and departing passengers to use public transport, thus alleviating traffic and reducing carbon emissions.
STN Managing Director Gareth Powell emphasizes that the plan revolves around “making the best use of our single runway,” while minimizing environmental impact and providing benefits to neighboring communities. Powell highlights that public feedback is an integral part of shaping the airport’s future: “We will be consulting with local residents, businesses, and passengers on our plan ahead of submitting a planning application in the coming months.”
Another notable component of Stansted’s vision for the 2040s is the expansion of Stansted Airport College, which opened in 2018. The college currently enrolls around 500 students in subjects like aircraft maintenance and airport operations. With this new development plan, STN hopes to double that capacity, offering more opportunities for individuals to join the aviation sector.
The three most popular destinations from Stansted in 2024 were Dublin, Istanbul, and Edinburgh, while Spain, Italy, and Poland ranked as the top countries for STN passengers during the year. By enhancing facilities, improving transport links, and aligning with sustainability goals, London Stansted Airport aims to bolster its position as a major gateway and economic driver for the region—one that continues to expand responsibly while addressing the needs of travelers, businesses, and the local community.
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