London Stansted Airport is seeking approval to boost its annual passenger capacity to over 50 million. The airport, owned by Manchester Airports Group, aims to increase its capacity to nearly 51 million passengers per annum over the next two decades, without increasing flight numbers, utilising its existing single runway.
The project, set for completion by 2040, is expected to generate 4,500 new jobs in the local area, as reported by . Over the past year, Stansted has seen record passenger traffic, serving 30 million passengers in 2024 and ranking as the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's third busiest airport.
Following months of consultation, Stansted formally submitted its planning application to Uttlesford District Council on Monday.
Gareth Powell, London Stansted's managing director, commented on the proposal: "We've listened carefully to all the feedback from our neighbours, which has helped shape our plans to grow London Stansted in the most sustainable and responsible way possible.
"We have already kicked off our five-year £1.2bn investment programme to transform the airport, and if this application is approved, we will be able to unlock even more local opportunities and improvements over the next 20 years."
He added: "Making the best use of our existing runway will help create more jobs and training schemes, better facilities for passengers and provide more seats to an even greater choice of destinations."
Stansted isn't the only London airport with eyes on expansion, as nearly every airport in the capital is moving forward with significant development proposals.
Since Labour's triumph in last summer's general election, both Luton and London City Airport have seen their planning applications greenlit by government officials.
Earlier this year, Heathrow's much-postponed third runway project received a substantial endorsement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Meanwhile, Gatwick is fine-tuning its proposal for a second runway following a conditional partial approval from ministers.
At Stansted, Mr Powell said: "We have an exciting and ambitious vision for London Stansted and how we best serve our region, so I'm asking for local people to lend their support so we can make this plan a reality."
