More than 5,000 new jobs will be created at London Stansted Airport as part of a £1.1 billion investment over the next five years.
The initiative was announced by the UK government and aims to enhance the airport’s capacity and infrastructure.
Major Expansion Plans Unveiled
The investment strategy was revealed by Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer during the International Investment Summit in London. The plan includes a £600 million terminal extension, with an additional £500 million allocated to improve the existing terminal and surrounding airport facilities.
Key upgrades will include:
- Terminal Extension: A major expansion to unlock the full potential of Stansted’s runway.
- Improved Passenger Experience: Enhancements across check-in, security, and immigration for smoother travel.
- Airfield Upgrades: Taxiway improvements and updated gate rooms for increased capacity.
Supporting Sustainability Goals
The investment also includes Stansted’s 14.3 megawatt on-site solar farm, designed to meet the airport’s growing energy demands.
This project aligns with the airport’s broader sustainability goals, following the recent completion of a new electric vehicle charging forecourt. The solar farm is expected to play a key role in reducing the airport’s carbon footprint while supporting increased operational demands.
Timeline and Construction
Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns London Stansted, is in the final stages of securing contractors for the project. Construction is set to begin in 2025 and will take approximately two to three years to complete.
The expansion already has planning permission, and it adheres to previously agreed passenger and flight limits. This ensures the development will proceed without delays or further regulatory approvals.
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Boost to Local Economy and Connectivity
Ken O’Toole, CEO of MAG, highlighted the wider benefits of this investment.
He said:
“By investing more than £1 billion in Stansted over the next five years, we will be able to connect people and businesses in London and the east of England to even more global destinations, while welcoming millions more visitors to the UK”.
“Aviation is an essential enabler of the success of the UK’s key high-value industries, and we look forward to helping the government achieve the highest sustained growth in the G7 through the sustainable growth of our airports”.
Aviation as a Growth Catalyst
O’Toole also pointed out aviation plays a crucial role in supporting the UK’s high-value industries. He expressed confidence that the project would help the UK maintain its position as a leader in global growth, supporting the government’s goal of achieving the highest sustained growth among G7 nations.
A Look Ahead
With construction set to begin soon, the expansion at London Stansted Airport will not only create thousands of jobs but also significantly improve the passenger experience and strengthen the airport’s sustainability efforts. The project is a key part of the UK’s vision for modernizing infrastructure and maintaining global competitiveness in a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.
