London Stansted Unveils £1.1bn Investment Programme for Airport Expansion

London Stansted Airport has announced a comprehensive five-year, £1.1 billion investment programme aimed at enhancing facilities and expanding its global connections. The focal point of this ambitious plan is a £600 million extension of the existing terminal, designed to create a bright and spacious environment featuring more seating, shops, bars, and restaurants for travelers.

 

The plans were revealed at the government’s International Investment Summit, coinciding with Stansted reporting record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. Planning permission for the terminal extension was secured in October 2023, and the airport has now released visual materials showcasing the exciting developments.

Enhanced Capacity and Economic Impact

The terminal expansion is projected to enable the airport to accommodate up to 43 million passengers annually, leading to the creation of 5,000 new on-site jobs and doubling the airport’s economic contribution to £2 billion each year.

Alongside the terminal extension, the £1.1 billion investment will support several projects aimed at improving the passenger journey and promoting sustainability, including:

• An enlarged security hall with next-generation security equipment.
• A 14.3 MW on-site solar farm to meet current and future energy demands.
• Additional seating areas throughout the terminal and gate areas.
• New wayfinding kiosks for enhanced navigation within the terminal.
• Reconfiguration of gate rooms to create more space for passengers before boarding.
• Flooring and seating upgrades in satellite two, along with a new bar area.
• Refurbished restroom facilities.
• Upgrades to the airfield taxiway.

Ongoing Improvements and Future Opportunities

Stansted is also completing several projects in collaboration with airport partners, including a new EV charging forecourt, drive-thru restaurants, a new Emirates business lounge, and an additional baggage reclaim carousel.

Gareth Powell, Managing Director of London Stansted, stated, “Stansted is embarking on an exciting new chapter. We aim to add even more choice of airlines to continue growing our extensive route network valued by the millions of passengers who choose to fly from here every year.” He emphasized the airport's unique position as a single-terminal facility, which allows for a simple and seamless travel experience.

Supporting Regional Growth

The extension will add three bays to the rear of the terminal, expanding it by 16,500 m². The upgraded design includes a larger immigration hall, a spacious departure lounge, and increased baggage capacity, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Stansted served a record 29.3 million passengers in the year ending September 2024, marking the busiest 12-month period in its history. The airport has recently welcomed new airlines, including Royal Jordanian and Sun Express, alongside the return of British Airways, expanding its destination offerings to over 200 this summer.

Industry and Economic Leaders React

Industry leaders have welcomed the announcement of the investment programme. Jackie Sadek, Independent Chair of the UK Innovation Corridor, remarked, “This is to be welcomed with open arms. London Stansted provides vital underpinning for the current £189 billion per annum GVA of the UK Innovation Corridor.”

John Dickie, Chief Executive of BusinessLDN, added, “As a gateway to the world, London Stansted plays a critical role in welcoming visitors to London and the UK. This investment is a vote of confidence in the capital that will boost our global connectivity.”

Harriet Fear, Chair of Cambridge Ahead, highlighted the importance of international connectivity for organizations in innovative sectors, stating, “This significant new investment into the airport’s infrastructure will help create an even better experience for passengers and support the airport’s long-term route development aims.”