London Stansted Sets New Records for Passengers and Cargo in April 2024

London Stansted Airport celebrated its busiest April ever, with record numbers in both passenger traffic and cargo throughput, marking a positive start to the summer season.

Record-Breaking April for London StanstedBusiest April on Record

London Stansted Airport has started the summer season with impressive milestones, achieving record-breaking volumes in both passenger and cargo traffic for April 2024. The airport welcomed 2.48 million passengers, surpassing its previous high set in 2019 by over 90,000 and marking a 5.5% increase from April 2023.

Sustained Passenger GrowthYearly Passenger Increase

The 12-month passenger total reached 28.64 million by the end of April, reflecting a 10.8% increase compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the airport's expanding route network and operational efficiency.

Record Cargo OperationsHighest Monthly Cargo Total

Stansted's cargo operations also set new records, with over 27,000 tonnes of freight processed in April—the highest monthly total ever recorded. This achievement highlights the airport's critical role in providing global connectivity for businesses in London and the East of England.

Operational ExcellenceEfficient Security Processes

Operational performance in April remained robust, with 98% of departing passengers passing through security in 15 minutes or less, and an average queue time of just three minutes during peak departure times.

Comments from LeadershipGareth Powell, Managing Director

Gareth Powell, London Stansted's Managing Director, praised the airport's strong performance: "April was another very strong month for London Stansted with both passenger and cargo numbers hitting new highs, thanks to our extensive passenger route network, the efficiency and simplicity of the airport’s operation, and the global connectivity provided by our cargo carriers."

Powell also highlighted the smooth operations during the busy Easter holidays and emphasized the airport's role in supporting the regional economy: "The record volumes of freight passing through Stansted indicate the vital role the airport plays in supporting the economic success of the region we serve."

Regional Economic ImpactSupport for Business Ecosystem

Harriet Fear MBE, Director at Cambridge&, commented on the importance of Stansted’s operations: "London Stansted is crucially important to the economic success of the East of England through its extensive and growing passenger operation. The record-breaking freight figures demonstrate that it also plays a key role in the movement of goods and products across the world."

Global Connectivity

Fear further emphasized the airport’s impact on local businesses: "With Stansted on Cambridge’s doorstep, businesses in the Greater Cambridge ecosystem can quickly and conveniently connect to markets across Europe, the Middle East, the US, and Asia, ensuring truly global connectivity."

Looking Ahead Preparing for Half-Term Holidays

Looking forward, Stansted is preparing for the upcoming half-term holidays, focusing on maintaining operational performance to accommodate the influx of travelers. The airport is set to welcome hundreds of thousands of passengers, including many overseas visitors choosing Stansted as their gateway to London and the East of England.

London Stansted’s record-setting April is a testament to its pivotal role in both passenger travel and cargo transport, reinforcing its position as a key player in the regional and global aviation landscape.