Stansted airport is working on a sustainable development plan (Image: Getty Images)
A busy UK airport has shared incredible plans to bolster passener numbers to over 50 millions a year over the next 20 years, it has been reported. has drafted a Sustained Development Plan (SDP) outlining how the airport intends to make best use of its existing single runway and what it will do to continue maximising the benefits and managing the impact of the airport’s operation for the surrounding area.
The move will create thousand of jobs and improvements works to the M11, reports .
This initiative follows the airport’s recent announcement of a five-year, £1.1 billion investment program designed to enhance the passenger experience and strengthen connections to additional global destinations.
At the heart of this transformation is a £600 million expansion of the existing terminal, which will feature a bright, spacious design, increased seating areas, and an array of new shops, bars, and restaurants, offering travelers greater variety and convenience.
At present, the airport has no plans to increase the number of runways, nor increase the amount of flights it operates every day.
The plan includes a target for half of all trips to the airport to be made via public transport. Additionally, the airport aims to create 16,300 “high-quality” jobs for local residents and enhance infrastructure. This will involve further improvements to the M11 junction eight and increased funding for bus services.
The airport also intends to expand support for Stansted Airport College, providing more opportunities for students to pursue careers in aviation.
This initiative aims to address industry skill shortages in areas such as engineering and hospitality. Projections suggest the airport could accommodate 48-51 million passengers annually by the 2040s.
A Stansted Airport spokesman said: “The airport is committing to welcome this higher number of passengers without an increase in the existing number of permitted flights and to do so within the existing airport boundary.
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“Increased passenger numbers will come from airlines planning to use larger models of modern, efficient aircraft than previously forecast. This will enable more people to fly on each plane, and the airport to welcome more passengers while keeping permitted levels of aircraft arrivals and departures the same.”
Gareth Powell, Stansted Airport’s Managing Director, said: “Stansted has connected our area with the world, establishing the airport as a driver of economic growth and source of thousands of high-quality jobs and training opportunities while doing so.
“We want to continue to build on this success, growing the nearly 30 million passengers we welcomed this last year. With airlines offering more seats to more destinations, we will improve the choice passengers have, the value travel we offer, and make the most of our efficient terminal that is well connected to the local area.
“We’re proud of the role we play locally, have always taken our responsibilities seriously and will continue to do so as we make best use of our existing single runway, providing even more employment opportunities and working closely with local businesses to help them grow as the airport does.
“Over the coming months, we will be engaging widely with our local community on what the plan will involve, to ensure those who live and work near the airport and those who take advantage of the connectivity we provide get a chance to help shape the airport’s future.”