New pictures have shown how the airport plans to transform as it pushes towards becoming the busiest single terminal airport in Europe
Newly released images have revealed a raft of improvements planned for London Stansted Airport, ahead of a sweeping transformation project. The major international hub is pressing ahead with a programme of changes designed to introduce new passenger amenities and boost overall capacity.
Plans were first unveiled in October 2024, with detailed designs subsequently drawn up. Preparatory work has also been carried out to facilitate the scheme’s progression, which could see the terminal’s capacity expand to accommodate more than 40 million passengers annually.
The next stage of development will see construction begin later this summer on new “skylink” walkways. These will connect the terminal to existing satellite buildings, allowing Stansted’s track-transit people-mover system to be decommissioned.
The completion of this project and the removal of the transit system will pave the way for extending the terminal building in later phases of the transformation.
The centrepiece of the overhaul is a three-bay extension to the existing terminal, which will create a more expansive space featuring new shops, bars and restaurants. Once finished, it is expected to make Stansted the largest single-terminal airport in Europe, reports Essex Live.
A number of projects have already been completed or are currently underway, amongst them a new domestic arrival building, an enlarged security hall, and a new airside access security facility. Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, commented: “This year has already been another exciting period for everyone connected with London Stansted as we continue to welcome a record number of passengers, new airlines and routes and drive forward the airport’s transformation programme. We have real momentum behind our vision for London Stansted and a strong platform to build upon, having joined the big league of airports last year when we passed the 30 million passengers a year milestone and secured planning permission to serve up to 51 million passengers a year.
“This presents us with a great opportunity to develop and optimise the infrastructure of the airport as we continue to grow passenger numbers and secure links to even more global destinations over the next couple of decades. We sit at the heart of the Innovation Corridor, which runs from London to Cambridge and onwards to Peterborough, and is growing rapidly. This economic success is underpinned by excellent international connectivity, so our ability to increase passenger numbers, coupled with our investment plans, will bring new opportunities for growth across the Corridor.
“We have made great progress on enabling works to set the scene for the next stage, as we now ramp up work and move to the delivery phase that will shape the airport of the future. We are unique among major airports in operating a single terminal, which means we can give people a simple, efficient and seamless experience, which we know they value, whether travelling for business, leisure or to visit friends and family. These exciting plans mean we are able to retain all those benefits, while introducing an array of new facilities and giving us the space we need to grow.
“Given the strong economic performance of our region, our ability to grow passenger numbers by making best use of the available runway capacity and the investment in new facilities, I’m confident the airport’s future is looking very bright.”
