London Stansted Airport to Accommodate 51 Million Passengers Annually by the 2040s

London Stansted Airport has unveiled a draft plan to expand its annual passenger handling capacity to 48 to 51 million by the 2040s.

The plan involves leveraging the existing single runway, increasing the number of flights without, whilst accommodating the increase in passenger numbers on the existing premises. It is said to be feasible through airlines using larger, more modern, and efficient aircraft than previously forecasted.

The plan also includes funding improvements to the airport access roads and local bus services, regional roads, and the development of sustainable transportation options to ensure half of the passengers can access the airport using public transportation.

With the expansion in passenger numbers and destinations, an employment boost of 16,300 jobs is anticipated. Additionally, the airport aims to address the skills shortage by strengthening support for students aspiring to enter the aviation field.

Furthermore, an investment of £1.1 billion is planned over five years, with £600 million allocated for the expansion of the existing terminal, amongst other investments to develop more global destinations.