London Stansted Airport, UK’s busiest single-terminal airport, earlier this week announced a £130million revamp to set up a new arrivals building. The expansion is aimed at improving passenger experience at the Essex airport that serves an average 5,000 passengers every hour.
In 2015, the airport served 22.5 million travelers, a 12.8 per cent increase from its 2014 passenger traffic, one of the largest rises in the UK. It also became the country’s fourth busiest airport, after Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, all which have more than one terminal. The airport hopes to hit its 35 million capacities soon.
Manchester Airport Group (MAG) which owns Stansted released the plans which outline the transformation expected within the airport’s current 34,000 square meters and three levels.
Upon approval of the plans, the airport will have an expanded immigration and baggage reclaim hall, new shops and a public forecourt. The existing building will be re-modeled to house departures, check-in, security and a lounge.
Andrew Cowan, Stansted CEO said: “Since MAG acquired the airport in early 2013, we have turned Stansted into one of the UK’s fastest growing airports
“It has always been our vision to invest in its infrastructure to create the best experience for our growing number of passengers and airline customers and have already invested over £150 million to update our terminal and satellite facilities, created 1,000 more jobs, added over 40 new destinations and increased passenger numbers by nearly seven million.
“Stansted is thriving as a national asset, forming a key component of the UK’s aviation infrastructure at a time when airport capacity in the country is at a premium. Our investment will boost competition and enable the airport to play a bigger role in supporting economic growth, jobs and international connectivity across the East of England and London.”
The airport hosts EasyJet, Thomas Cook, and Jet2.com and is also Ryanair’s largest base.
