London Stansted Airport has unveiled a draft Sustainable Development Plan that outlines strategies for utilising its single runway to accommodate an increase in passenger numbers to 48-51m annually by the 2040s.
The airport currently has a cap of 43m passengers per year and plans to manage growth without increasing flight numbers or the facility’s boundary through modern aircraft usage.
Stansted is investing £1.1bn over the next five years, with a significant focus on a £600m terminal extension aimed at enhancing capacity and service quality.
The plan emphasizes community engagement, infrastructure improvements, and the economic impact of the airport while ensuring sustainable growth and local employment opportunities.
Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s managing director, shared: “London Stansted has connected our area with the world, establishing the airport as a driver of economic growth and source of thousands of high-quality jobs and training opportunities while doing so. “We want to continue to build on this success, growing the nearly 30m passengers we welcomed this last year. With airlines offering more seats to more destinations, we will improve the choice passengers have, the value travel we offer, and make the most of our efficient terminal that is well connected to the local area. “We’re proud of the role we play locally, have always taken our responsibilities seriously and will continue to do so as we make best use of our existing single runway, providing even more employment opportunities and working closely with local businesses to help them grow as the airport does. “Over the coming months, we will be engaging widely with our local community on what the plan will involve, to ensure those who live and work near the airport and those who take advantage of the connectivity we provide get a chance to help shape the airport’s future.”
