Stansted capacity boost green light

Stansted has been given the go ahead to extend its operations to welcome a maximum of 43 million passengers a year.

The Essex airport currently handles around 27 million passengers a year, with capacity for 35 million a year in total. However, Uttlesford District Council last week green lit the airport’s proposed growth plans. This will add capacity for another eight million passengers a year, creating 5,000 new jobs, the airport says.

New capacity, said the airport, will be delivered “within existing flight limits”, supporting more international connectivity, including more long-haul routes. By way of mitigation, Stansted says its noise footprint will be smaller than under previous permissions and will be accompanied by a “comprehensive package of community measures”.

Following the government’s approval of expansion at Heathrow through a new third runway, airports across the UK have been encouraged to pursue schemes to make best use of existing facilities and airspace.

Ken O’Toole, Stansted chief executive, said the new capacity would be delivered over the next decade. “The decision offers London Stansted and its airline partners the long-term clarity we need to make further investment decisions at the airport but also provides the local community with the assurance our future growth will be delivered in a measured and sustainable way.”

“The decision is great news for the airport, our staff and the growth ambitions of the region, London and the wider UK. [It] will improve passenger choice and convenience and boost international long-haul routes to fast-growing markets like China, India and the US. The combination of the strong economic health of our catchment, our available runway capacity, the £600 million investment we are making in our facilities and the continuing desire of local residents to travel by air by London Stansted, will collectively ensure the airport has a bright future.”