Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Stansted given green light to increase passenger limit

Aerospace

Stansted given green light to increase passenger limit

London Stansted has secured planning approval to increase its annual passenger limit up to 51 million, unlocking the potential to deliver a wide range of consumer, economic and community benefits over the next 20 years.

Image courtesy MAG

Uttlesford District Council has given the green light to Stansted’s application, which paves the way for it to make best use of its existing single runway and grow passenger volumes towards the new limit over the next two decades.   

As a result of this permission, Stansted will be able to do that without any increase in the number of flights the airport is already permitted to operate and within the existing airport boundary. 

Advertisement
ODU RT

Full approval is subject to the final sign-off of an extensive S106 community package of support. Once completed, it will enable the airport to grow in the future towards 51 million passengers per annum (mppa) from its current total of 30 million. 

Stansted's new limit aims are:  

  • 4,500 new jobs, supported by the airport’s existing training and education facilities.
  • Improvements to M11 Junction 8 to reduce congestion.
  • Funds for local bus services, roads and tackling fly-parking.
  • Half of all passenger journeys by public transport, to relieve pressure on local roads.
Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said: “We are pleased Uttlesford District Council has approved our application, which lays the foundations for the long-term sustainable growth of London Stansted and means we can maximise the full potential of our existing runway.

“The opportunity is considerable as the full expansion of Stansted would deliver widespread social and economic benefits to the regions we serve, without any increase in the number of flights the airport is already permitted to operate and within the existing airport footprint.

“That will enable us to create thousands of new jobs, provide training opportunities to the next generation of aviation professionals and attract new routes that give people more opportunities to visit the places they want to.  

“As we grow our airport over the next 20 years, we will do it sustainably – decarbonising our operations and ensuring half of all passengers accessing the airport do so via public transport.

“Our plans were strongly backed by thousands of local people, businesses and airport partners, so I would like to thank them for their valued support and look forward to working together to turn our ambition for London Stansted into reality.”

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Green aviation to get £43m boost

Aerospace

Green aviation to get £43m boost

21 January 2026

The aviation industry is set for a major boost as £43 million for green projects was announced by the UK Government today, aimed at supporting jobs and unlocking new investment.

Leonardo reduces ESG risk with Sustainalytics upgrade

Aerospace

Leonardo reduces ESG risk with Sustainalytics upgrade

21 January 2026

ESG research and ratings agency, Sustainalytics, has improved Leonardo’s ESG Risk Rating, reducing it to 22/100 from 29/100 (on a scale from zero to 100, where zero represents the best score), placing the Company third worldwide among aerospace & defence (A&D) companies.

IBA reveals 1,800 aircraft deliveries expected in 2026

Aerospace

IBA reveals 1,800 aircraft deliveries expected in 2026

21 January 2026

IBA's Chief Economist & Chief Data Officer, Dr Stuart Hatcher, has revealed his insights and predictions for the upcoming year as easing inflation, lower fuel prices and improving OEM production rates underpin a more stable outlook for airlines.

Smiths Detection delivers automated IRBS between South Korea and US

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection delivers automated IRBS between South Korea and US

21 January 2026

Smiths Detection has enabled the launch of a fully automated International Remote Baggage Screening System (IRBS), setting a new global standard for cross-border aviation security and passenger processing between South Korea and the United States.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Newcastle Airport secures £364m refinancing package

Aerospace

Newcastle Airport secures £364m refinancing package

21 January 2026

Newcastle International Airport (NIAL) has successfully secured a new £364 million bank finance package, refinancing existing facilities and supporting its long-term growth ambitions and sustainability targets.

Base Materials develops proprietary LCA

Aerospace

Base Materials develops proprietary LCA

21 January 2026

Base Materials has developed a new proprietary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool to calculate the carbon footprint of its full product portfolio, providing partners robust, transparent environmental data as part of their own sustainability and supply chain reporting.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB