Busiest ever January at London Stansted as transformation works begin

This is an increase of 3.3 per cent, or 57,000 passengers, on the previous record January in 2017, and brings the rolling 12-month total to 25.9 million passengers.

Cargo handled at Stansted was also up this month by 4.5 per cent on January 2017, with 20,885 tonnes handled at the airport.

The positive start to the year also included the announcement that Primera Air is adding a fourth route to its summer launch of low-cost transatlantic flights. It will begin flights to Washington from August, following the launch of services to New York in April and to Boston and Toronto in May.

Ken O’Toole, CEO of London Stansted, said: “Following a successful 2017, January 2018 has seen continued record passenger numbers at London Stansted.

“We have a significant year ahead of us, with new airlines and long-haul routes starting, as well as ambitious plans to upgrade our facilities. With Stansted being the only London airport with significant available runway capacity we’re focused on investing in our facilities and ensuring we provide the best passenger experience.”

The first phase of the £600 million Stansted Transformation Programme began in January, which will see the biggest upgrade in passenger facilities since the iconic Lord Foster-designed terminal opened in 1991.

This phase of development will focus on enhancing the terminal, providing an additional 30 check-in desks, extra seating and restaurants in the departures lounge, as well as providing additional car and aircraft parking to cater for increased demand.

Image: Artist’s impression of Stansted’s new arrivals building, part of the £600 million airport transformation programme