Airport could expand to have 51 million engers

London Stansted Airport has submitted an expansion plan that could dramatically increase its enger numbers.

Up to 51 million people a year could through the Essex terminal if approved, making it the UK's second busiest airport.

There was no plan to build a second runway or exceed its limit of 274,000 annual flights, the owner, Manchester Airports Group, said, but better use would be made of the existing runway and rail and road access would be improved.

"We have an exciting and ambitious vision for London Stansted and how we best serve our region," added managing director Gareth Powell.

The airport has already started work on a £1.1bn expansion approved by the government in October 2024.

It attracted record-breaking numbers of jet-setters in 2024, with 29.3 million people taking flight in the year to September.

Stansted's latest plan, submitted to Uttlesford District Council, sought to further increase its enger capacity to between 48 and 51 million per year by 2040.

It also included improving access from junction eight of the M11, as well as bus and rail services.

About 4,500 new jobs would be created if approved, Stansted said, adding its infrastructure would be fully powered by renewable energy.

More than 2,800 people and bodies have responded to consultations about the expansion.

They included Hertfordshire County Council, which urged Stansted to halt its expansion over concerns about air quality and noise levels.

The authority, which governs an area bordering the airport, said it wanted detailed evidence about how those issues could be addressed.

Mr Powell said he "listened carefully" to all representations.

"Making the best use of our existing runway will help create more jobs and training schemes, better facilities for engers, and provide more seats to an even greater choice of destinations," he said.

"I'm asking for local people to lend their so we can make this plan a reality."

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