Stanstead expansion plans approved
The airport will grow to accommodate 51 million passengers per year
Last updated 17th Dec 2025
Plans by London Stansted to increase its annual passenger limit have been approved.
Uttlesford District Council has given the green light to Stansted’s application, which paves the way for it to grow passenger volumes towards 51 million over the next two decades.
It means the airport will be able to do that without any increase in the number of flights the airport already operates, and within the existing airport boundary.
Full approval is subject to the final sign-off of an extensive community package of support.
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.”