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
FIA2026 animated banner
Cirium reveals 2025 global airline emissions rankings

Aerospace

Cirium reveals 2025 global airline emissions rankings

16 April 2026

Singapore-based Scoot has been named the world’s most emissions-efficient airline in Cirium’s 2025 EmeraldSky Annual Review, taking the top spot from last year’s leader, Wizz Air.

AGS Airports appoints transformation design partners

Aerospace

AGS Airports appoints transformation design partners

15 April 2026

AGS Airports has appointed professional services firm WSP and architectural practice Pascall + Watson as its design partners for the next stage of its £350 million AGS Reimagined transformation programme, across Glasgow and Southampton airports.

Heathrow handles over quarter of UK trade by value in 2025

Aerospace

Heathrow handles over quarter of UK trade by value in 2025

15 April 2026

Heathrow handled £293 billion worth of goods in 2025, according to the latest Government trade data, which is more than a quarter of all UK trade by value.

Chapman Freeborn appoints Danish Cutleriwala as Country Manager India

Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn appoints Danish Cutleriwala as Country Manager India

15 April 2026

Chapman Freeborn has appointed Danish Cutleriwala as Country Manager India, to lead the company's operations in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation and logistics markets.

Advertisement
ODU RT
NPAS receives first two aircraft for FRP

Aerospace Security

NPAS receives first two aircraft for FRP

15 April 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has reached a major milestone in its National Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP) with the arrival of the first two H135 T3H aircraft at Airbus Helicopters UK in Oxford.

ALTEN opens office in Belfast

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ALTEN opens office in Belfast

14 April 2026

ALTEN has announced the opening of its newest UK office in Belfast, marking a significant strategic expansion into Northern Ireland.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner