London Stansted Seeks Approval to Increase Passenger Capacity to 51 Million

London Stansted Airport has submitted a planning application to Uttlesford District Council with the goal of increasing its annual passenger limit to 51 million by the 2040s. This plan is designed to maximize the potential of the airport’s existing single runway, without increasing the number of flights currently permitted, and will remain within the current airport boundary.

If approved, the proposal will enable London Stansted to advance its plans for investment, which will include several key benefits:

• 4,500 new jobs created

• Improvements to M11 Junction 8 to reduce congestion

• Funding for local bus services, road improvements, and measures to address fly-parking

• Improvements to the Stansted Express

• Airport infrastructure powered by 100% renewable energy

• Expansion of Stansted Airport College, doubling its size to train more local young people

• Half of all passenger journeys made by public transport, reducing pressure on local roads

Extensive Community Consultation and Support

Over recent months, Stansted Airport has conducted extensive consultations with local communities, businesses, and passengers. The feedback received has been positive, with over 2,800 responses to the consultation, and nearly 2,000 people expressing support for the airport's plan.

Gareth Powell, Managing Director of London Stansted, expressed his commitment to sustainable growth, saying, “We’ve listened carefully to all the feedback from our neighbours, which has helped shape our plans to grow London Stansted in the most sustainable and responsible way possible.”

The planning application is part of a broader vision for the future of London Stansted, including a five-year £1.2 billion investment program aimed at transforming the airport. If the planning application is approved, the airport will be able to unlock even more opportunities for growth, providing additional capacity for passengers and improved services.

“We have an exciting and ambitious vision for London Stansted,” said Powell, “and I’m asking for local people to lend their support so we can make this plan a reality.”