Kemi Badenoch opens new domestic arrivals hall at Stansted

London Stansted Airport marked a major milestone in its long-term transformation plan with the official opening of its new domestic arrivals building on Friday, 11 July 2025. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Kemi Badenoch MP, Member of Parliament for Northwest Essex and Secretary of State for Business and Trade, alongside Gareth Powell, the airport’s Managing Director.

 

The new facility represents the first major development in Stansted’s ambition to modernize infrastructure, enhance the passenger experience, and support future capacity growth.

“We were delighted to welcome Kemi Badenoch MP to celebrate this important step forward,” said Powell. “This new building is a key part of our vision to transform London Stansted and offer a better experience to millions of travelers.”

Part of a wider transformation

During her visit, Ms Badenoch was also briefed on the airport’s sustainable growth strategy, including its on-site solar farm and a recently submitted planning application to raise the airport’s annual passenger capacity to 51 million over the next two decades.

If approved, the plan would support job creation, expand training opportunities at Stansted Airport College, and enable the airport to strengthen its role as a regional transport hub.

“This investment highlirghts our commitment to serving the region, delivering modern infrastructure, and building a sustainable future for the airport,” Powell added.

Stansted currently ranks as one of the UK’s fastest-growing major airports. The newly opened domestic arrivals facility is just one of many improvements in the pipeline, with further enhancements set to follow in coming years as part of the airport's transformation journey.