Stansted Targets Up to 51M Passengers by 2030s
London Stansted Airport (STN) has released a draft Sustainable Development Plan (SDP) that outlines its potential to serve up to 48-51 million passengers annually by the late 2030s—significantly more than its currently approved limit of 43 million. The plan details how technological advancements in aircraft design, evolving passenger expectations, and strategic upgrades to airport infrastructure could contribute to this growth.
The SDP acknowledges that the aviation sector is in a constant state of evolution. “The airline industry is dynamic and continually evolving in response to technological advances in aircraft design and changing passenger requirements,” the plan states. Stansted Airport, which currently operates under planning permission granted in 2021 (based on forecasts prepared in 2018), believes it can handle more passengers without exceeding the established limit of 274,000 annual aircraft movements, provided future fleets feature larger, more efficient aircraft.
This strategy is supported by recent developments among carriers that serve Stansted. For example, Ryanair’s decision to purchase 150 Boeing 737-10 aircraft—a model offering 30 to 40 additional seats per flight compared to older variants—could help STN accommodate more passengers within the same number of daily operations. Similarly, Jet2.com’s plan to add 99 Airbus A321neo jets, known for their improved fuel efficiency and greater seat capacity, will also play a significant role in boosting the airport’s throughput.
The SDP notes that remaining within the movement cap is consistent with the airport’s policy of making the best possible use of its single runway. Although Stansted served nearly 30 million passengers in 2023, the anticipated increase in aircraft size and efficiency could enable substantial growth over the next two decades.
To ensure that this growth is both responsible and sustainable, the airport plans to continue its rigorous environmental assessments and monitoring. According to the SDP, the environmental effects of accommodating up to 51 million passengers per year are expected to remain in line with the forecasts previously established for the 43 million passenger threshold. This suggests that operational efficiencies, newer aircraft technologies, and responsible planning measures can mitigate the environmental impact even as the number of passengers grows.
Underpinning Stansted’s expansion plans is a significant investment in infrastructure. Construction on a £600 million ($784 million) extension to the airport’s passenger terminal is slated to begin in 2025. This project is part of a larger £1.1 billion upgrade program designed to improve passenger flow, enhance the travel experience, and support the airport’s long-term ambitions. The terminal extension, which will add approximately 16,500 square meters (54,100 square feet) of space, is accompanied by the development of a 14.3-megawatt onsite solar farm, reflecting the airport’s commitment to sustainable operations.
Overall, Stansted’s draft SDP signals the airport’s intent to adapt to a changing aviation landscape. By leveraging new aircraft technologies, optimizing airport facilities, and maintaining strict environmental oversight, STN aims to balance growth with sustainability. In doing so, it positions itself as a forward-looking hub capable of meeting future travel demand while preserving its environmental responsibilities.
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