London Stansted Airport is gearing up for a major transformation after the government confirmed a £1.1 billion investment plan aimed at expanding the airport’s capacity and enhancing passenger experience. The project, set to begin in 2025, will include a £600 million terminal extension, providing more seating, shops, and restaurants, as well as upgrades to security and baggage handling systems.
Stansted, which welcomed a record 29.3 million passengers in the year leading up to September, expects the expansion to boost its capacity to 43 million passengers annually, surpassing London Gatwick to become the second-busiest airport in the UK after Heathrow.
Key Upgrades and Job Creation
The terminal expansion will focus on improving the overall passenger experience. An enlarged security hall and additional check-in desks will reduce waiting times, while reconfigured gate areas will provide more space and seating. The project will also include a solar farm to help meet the airport's energy needs.
In addition to expanding passenger capacity, the investment is expected to create 5,000 new jobs. Managing Director Gareth Powell expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating that the project will maintain the simplicity of Stansted’s single terminal while significantly improving its facilities.
Timeline and Construction Plans
Planning permission for the project was approved in October 2023 after Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the owner of Stansted, successfully appealed a previous rejection by Uttlesford District Council. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and take up to three years, though the overall investment programme will last five years, according to the airport.
