‍LONDON —  London Stansted Airport (STN) has put forward its latest expansion proposal, aiming to boost passenger capacity to between 48 and 51 million annually by 2040. STN is the fourth busiest airport in the UK after London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW) and Manchester (MAN).

The new proposal also includes better transport links, with upgrades to junction eight of the M11, as well as improvements to bus and rail services that will make it easier for travelers to reach the airport, particularly those from Essex.

"We have an exciting and ambitious vision for London Stansted and how we best serve our region," added managing director Gareth Powell.

Stansted’s strategic location, around 40 miles northeast of central London, makes it a key travel hub for the East of England and beyond. It already serves as a major base for low-cost carriers like Ryanair (FR) and plays a vital role in connecting the region to European cities and holiday destinations.

In 2024, the airport saw an unprecedented surge in travelers, with 29.3 million passengers taking to the skies in the year leading up to September. Stansted, which is part of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), currently has permission for up to 43 million passengers per year.

No New Runway

The expansion plan does not include the construction of a new runway. Instead, it focuses on optimizing existing infrastructure and improving transport links to accommodate the projected increase in passenger numbers.

"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," Mr Powell said.

If approved, the expansion could support thousands of new jobs and help boost the local economy, while positioning Stansted as a more competitive alternative to Heathrow and Gatwick in the long term.