Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Stansted reports record-breaking February

The half-term school holidays helped London Stansted report its busiest ever February as families and holidaymakers took to the skies in record numbers.

Image courtesy MAG

More than 2.01 million passengers passed through the terminal during February, an increase of 48% on last year, and 91,000 passengers more than the previous monthly record set in 2024.

The number of passengers using London Stansted in the 12-months to the end of February stands at 29.77 million, an increase of 5.2% on the previous year.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Nearly 830,000 passengers travelled through Stansted during the half-term week alone, as families from across London and the East of England headed away for some winter sun, hit the ski slopes or visited friends and family.

Demand during the period also remained high from overseas visitors looking for affordable and convenient access to the UK, and London in particular, thanks to the airport’s extensive European route network.

The most popular destinations for winter sun-seekers included the Canary Islands, Southern Spain, Turkey and Dubai, while the top choices for those heading to the slopes were Geneva, Chambery, Grenoble, Turin, Innsbruck and Zurich.

Short city breaks were also in high demand with Dublin, Edinburgh and Istanbul the most popular.

Operational performance during the month remained strong, with more than 98% of passengers passing safely through security in 15 minutes or less.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Ciaran Brannigan, London Stansted’s Commercial Director, said: "February was yet another strong month at London Stansted, with a very busy half-term holiday week boosting demand that saw the airport welcome over two million passengers during the month of February for the first time in our history.

“The great value, choice and ease of access on offer at the airport continues to attract passengers in record numbers, and we don’t expect to see any let up in demand as we push ever closer to breaking through the 30 million passengers a year milestone at London Stansted.

“The summer flying schedule will begin at the end of the month, bringing even more choice of destinations for local people to plan their trips abroad, particularly for those looking to head off over the Easter holidays next month.

“And our extensive and growing route network will also provide more opportunities for us to welcome thousands more visitors from across Europe and beyond who are attracted to the great choice of inbound flights and simplicity of using London Stansted as they heading into London or sampling the delights of the East of England in the coming weeks and months.”

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
UK aviation starts year with record passenger numbers

Aerospace

UK aviation starts year with record passenger numbers

27 May 2026

New UK Civil Aviation Authority data released today shows more than 61 million passengers travelled through UK airports in the first three months of this year, breaking previous records for travel between January and March.

ATC punctuality stays high as air traffic grows

Aerospace

ATC punctuality stays high as air traffic grows

26 May 2026

Almost 98% of UK flights operated punctually in April, according to figures from UK air traffic controller NATS.

Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10

Aerospace

Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10

26 May 2026

Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four additional A350F freighters, taking its total order for the type to 10 aircraft.

Loganair signs SAF offtake agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight

Aerospace

Loganair signs SAF offtake agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight

26 May 2026

Loganair and ClimaHtech Green Flight today announced a 15-year Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offtake agreement, supporting the long-term decarbonisation of regional aviation in the UK.

Advertisement
ODU RT
NMIS reveals cold spray solution for copper rocket nozzle manufacturing

Aerospace

NMIS reveals cold spray solution for copper rocket nozzle manufacturing

26 May 2026

Engineers at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) have developed a copper rocket nozzle manufacturing route using high-pressure cold spray, showcasing the technology’s potential as a large-scale, rapid additive manufacturing solution for efficiently producing high-performance components.

RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB