London Stansted records busiest ever October (2024)

';

London Stansted recorded its busiest ever October as nearly 2.6 million passengers passed through its terminal, surpassing the previous record set in 2018.

The popularity of the airport’s extensive European route network, plus the half-term getaway, ensured Stansted welcomed more than 28,000 more passengers than in 2018. The total was also up 9.7% on the same month last year.

The number of passengers served at the airport in the 12-months ending October 2023 stands at 27.6 million, an increase of 27% on the previous year.

Operational performance during the month remained stable, with 96% of passengers passing safely through security in 15 minutes or less, with an average queue time of just over five minutes during the busiest departure peaks.

The top three most popular countries during the month were Spain, Italy and Germany, while the busiest routes were Dublin, Istanbul and Edinburgh.

During the month, the airport also received planning permission to extend its terminal building. The extension will transform the airport experience, improving every step of a passenger’s journey, from check-in on departure through to when they arrive at immigration. It will also provide capacity to accommodate forecast passenger growth towards the airport’s approved limit.

Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said:

“After a very busy and positive summer season at London Stansted, we have seen the rapid growth in passenger numbers continue into the autumn as we recorded our busiest October ever.

“We know our position as the number one UK airport for destinations to Europe, coupled with the ease and efficiency of using the airport, helps make Stansted the natural choice for so many passengers from London to Cambridge, and right across the wider eastern region.

“And as has been the case all year, our extensive and unique route network continues to be extremely popular with many overseas visitors seeking convenient and great value direct access to the UK.

“We also achieved a very significant milestone last month as we secured planning permission to extend our terminal building. This project will help transform the airport journey while maintaining the simple, efficient and reliable experience we know our passengers really value when they choose to fly from Stansted.

“As we enter a new phase of growth in the years ahead and serve more passengers each year than ever before, they can be confident our plans will build on this success and make every airport journey even better in the future.”

London Stansted records busiest ever October (2024)

FAQs

London Stansted records busiest ever October? ›

London-Stansted Airport (STN) has just recorded its busiest-ever October, with record numbers of passengers passing through the airport's single terminal. Almost 2.6 million passengers passed through the airport during the month, surpassing the airport's previous record, which was set back in 2018.

What's the busiest time at Stansted Airport? ›

What are the rush hours at Stansted Airport? Stansted Airport rush hours are in the morning from 8 AM to 1 PM and in the evening from 5 PM to 10 PM.

Why is Stansted Airport so busy? ›

London Stansted's extensive European route network, and simplicity and reliability of the airport's operation, helped deliver the busiest ever winter season, with more than 10 million passengers using Stansted between November and March alone.

How busy is Stansted Airport security? ›

Security screening at Stansted Airport had an average waiting time of 10.9 minutes. 31 percent of respondents from a 2019 survey reported queuing approximately one to five minutes. Only one percent of respondents stated that they had to wait more than 30 minutes before being able to continue to their gate.

How many passengers go through Stansted? ›

The number of passengers served at the airport in the 12-months ending October 2023 stands at 27.6 million, an increase of 27% on the previous year.

Is London Stansted a busy airport? ›

London Stansted and London Luton are the fourth and fifth busiest airports, respectively.

What is the average queue time at Stansted? ›

Average queue time when waiting for security screening at selected UK airports in 2022 (in minutes)
CharacteristicQueue time in minutes
Heathrow20
Luton19
Stansted18
Belfast International18
9 more rows
Mar 28, 2024

What is the busiest airport in the world? ›

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Delta Air Lines ' biggest hub, once again topped the list of the busiest airports, serving 104.7 million passengers, ACI said. Here are the 2023 rankings (with 2022 rankings in parentheses): Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (1)

Is 2 hours enough for Stansted? ›

Always follow your airline's guidance on how early you need to be at the airport before your flight. As a general guide, you will need to have checked in and be ready to go through security at least 2 hours before your flight departure time. Worried about queues? FastTrack will help you get through security faster.

Does Stansted fly all night? ›

Stansted airport is and has always been a 24-hour operation. There are restrictions on the numbers and types or aircraft that are allowed to operate between the hours of 23:30-06:00 hours (local time).

How long does it take to get through customs in Stansted? ›

International Arrivals - located on the arrival concourse it will take about 1 - 1.5 hours to clear customs and to collect luggage. Domestic Arrivals - located on the left hand side of the terminal building and normally takes about 30 -45 minutes to clear customs and collect luggage.

Is Stansted a small airport? ›

London Stansted Airport (IATA: STN, ICAO: EGSS) is a large passenger airport in the Uttlesford District of the English county of Essex about 30 miles (48 km) northeast of London. It is about 2 miles (3 km) outside Bishop's Stortford and 6 miles (10 km) outside Harlow.

Can you sleep over at Stansted Airport? ›

Stopping over

There is nowhere to sleep in the terminal. However, there are hotels next to the airport and plenty more in the surrounding area. Many provide courtesy transport to or from London Stansted Airport. If you need to find somewhere to stay why not book an airport hotel with us.

Which is bigger Heathrow or Stansted? ›

The most important facts about “the largest airport in the UK” London Heathrow Airport is the largest in the UK, handling over 79 million passengers in 2023.

Is Stansted bigger than Heathrow? ›

Heathrow is by far the largest airport in the UK, but T5 is the only one of its terminals that makes the top four. London Stansted airport – which is the busiest single-terminal airport in the UK – is just behind Heathrow T5 in second place.

Which airlines fly out of Stansted? ›

It is well-known for being home to Ryanair, however, there are other airlines that also operate from the Essex based airport including:
  • Flybe.
  • easyJet.
  • Thomas Cook.
  • Eurowings.
  • Air Berlin.
  • Thomson.

What is the quietest time at Stansted Airport? ›

The best and most feasible time to arrive at Stansted Airport is either early in the morning or in the night after 7 PM. The reason being, these are the two times when Stansted Airport rush hours is at peak, otherwise it's mostly packed with tourists and international travellers.

How long does it take to get through security in Stansted Airport? ›

Therefore, please use the following times as a guideline:

For domestic flights – check in at least 90 minutes before your flight. For European flights – check in at least two hours before your flight. For international flights – check in at least three hours before your flight.

Is Stansted Airport busy early morning? ›

The airport is very busy anytime from 5.00 am onwards. This has always been there most busiest time, normally by 9 -10 am it starts to get less busy.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 5525

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

Birthday: 2000-07-07

Address: 5050 Breitenberg Knoll, New Robert, MI 45409

Phone: +2556892639372

Job: Investor Mining Engineer

Hobby: Sketching, Cosplaying, Glassblowing, Genealogy, Crocheting, Archery, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is The Hon. Margery Christiansen, I am a bright, adorable, precious, inexpensive, gorgeous, comfortable, happy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.