Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
19 November 2018 08:44
Stansted is the fourth busiest UK airport
London Stansted could soon welcome 43 million passengers a year, after a bid to raise its capacity was approved by the local council.
The Essex airport wants to increase its current annual passenger cap from 35 million over the next decade, claiming expansion is necessary for vital growth.
The airport's application has been approved by the Uttlesford District Council planning committee and will now be considered by central Government.
London Stansted is currently the UK's fourth busiest airport, after London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester.
Annual cap
Some 26 million people travelled through Stansted last year and airport bosses expect it to hit the current annual cap in the next four to five years.
They claim a limit of 43 million could be utilised without breaking existing caps on flight numbers and aircraft noise.
Stansted chief executive Ken O'Toole said the council's decision will lead to 5,000 additional jobs at the airport.
He added: "Today's decision offers London Stansted and its airline partners the long-term clarity we need to make further investment decisions at the airport but also, importantly, provides the local community with the assurance that our future growth will be delivered in a measured and sustainable way.
"From the outset our local community has been a vital partner in this planning process and it was their feedback which led us to put forward a proposal which did not seek an increase in the number of flights and committed to deliver the growth within a smaller noise footprint than our existing permissions require."
Concerns
Campaign group Stop Stansted Expansion claims that the airport's plans would result in it being able to handle 44% more flights and 66% more passengers compared with last year.
It has expressed concerns about the impact of expansion on noise and pollution levels, adding that local residents "stand to suffer so much" from the council's decision.
Since Stansted was bought by Manchester Airports Group in 2013 annual passenger numbers have grown by 10 million and the number of routes has increased by 25% to 190.
Are you heading off on a city break from London Stansted and looking for travel insurance that meets your needs? Check out our range of dedicated city break travel insurance options today.
16 April 2019
Keen to see first-hand who gets crowned champions of Europe? Europe's biggest football match takes place in Madrid: here's your guide to everything you need to know.
[more...]
18 April 2019
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.