London Stansted Airport has secured planning approval to increase its annual passenger cap to 51 million passengers per annum (mppa), enabling sustainable growth over the next 20 years while making full use of its existing single runway and airport footprint.
Approved by Uttlesford District Council, the consent allows Stansted to grow from its current throughput of around 30 million passengers without increasing the number of permitted flights – unlocking significant economic, social and community benefits for the regions it serves.
The approval supports thousands of new jobs, targeted transport investment and a strong commitment to sustainable travel, with over 50% of passenger journeys to be made by public transport. Surface access was therefore a central consideration in the planning process, requiring robust evidence to demonstrate that growth could be accommodated without unacceptable impacts on surrounding road and public transport networks.
What we did
Steer has worked with Manchester Airport Group for over a decade, providing specialist advice on surface access and transport operational planning at London Stansted Airport.
We supported the original 2021 planning approval to increase passenger capacity to 43mppa, and most recently supported the submission to extend this cap to 51mppa by 2041, which has now been approved.
Led by Victoria Rees and Phil Rust, our work has included:
This integrated approach helped build confidence among decision-makers that future growth could be delivered sustainably and in line with local and national transport objectives.
Outcomes and impact
Steer’s work supported a successful planning outcome, with agreement reached across all key transport stakeholders. The consent enables:
By combining advanced modelling, operational insight and collaborative engagement with stakeholders, Steer helped London Stansted Airport demonstrate that major growth can be delivered responsibly, sustainably and with clear benefits for passengers, communities and the wider regional economy.
To explore working with us to plan your airport’s long-term growth and future passenger demand, speak to Victoria Rees.
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