Stansted records busiest ever November

Image courtesy MAG

The airport welcomed 2.14 million passengers during the month, beating the previous November total set in 2024. 

The top three busiest destinations were Istanbul, Dublin and Edinburgh, while the most popular countries during the month were Spain, Italy and Germany. 

Airline punctuality during the month was strong with 80% of all flights operating on time, and with more than 90% of first wave morning departures leaving on schedule.

The number of passengers using London Stansted in the 12-months to the end of November stands at 29.99 million, up 1.3% on the previous year.

Stansted is now gearing up for an anticipated 1.4 million passengers between 19th December 2025 and 4th January 2026 as they head away to celebrate Christmas and New Year and overseas visitors choose the airport as their gateway to festive celebrations in the UK.

Departing passengers travelling over the festive season are reminded to leave large electrical items and liquids bags in their hand baggage as Stansted’s security search area operates with the latest technology scanners.

Nick Millar, London Stansted’s Operations Director, said: “The start of the winter season saw demand for travel across our extensive route network remain very strong thanks to the great value, convenience, choice the airport offers to millions of passengers, and helped London Stansted record its busiest ever November.

“Alongside record-breaking passenger numbers, airline punctuality was strong during the first month of the winter flying schedule particularly during the first wave of morning departures with more than 90% of aircraft departing on time. This positive performance is one of the highest of any airport in Europe and provides the best platform for our airlines to keep to their schedules for the remainder of the day.

“We expect this positive trend to continue in the run up to Christmas and over festive period when we are set to welcome 1.4 million people as they head off on their holidays and winter breaks, and thousands more overseas visitors choose Stansted as their gateway to London and the East of England to enjoy the festivities.

“Our operational preparations for the big getaway are well underway, both in the terminal and on the airfield. All our teams will be working hard to ensure our passengers receive the best possible experience when travelling through the airport, especially across the very busy festive season.”