London Stansted Airport capped off a remarkable winter season with a record-breaking March, solidifying its busiest ever 12-month period.
March’s passenger numbers soared thanks to an early Easter, with over 2.18 million travelers passing through the terminal – a near 80,000 increase over the previous record set in 2019.
Records Tumble Amid Busiest Winter
This stellar performance extends to the entire year. By the end of March, Stansted had welcomed a staggering 28.5 million passengers, representing an impressive 11.8% growth compared to the previous year. This not only marks Stansted’s busiest winter season ever, but also its busiest year in history.
Passenger satisfaction remained high throughout the busy period. Stansted maintained exceptional operational efficiency, with 100% of departing passengers clearing security within 15 minutes during peak hours, and average queue times staying below four minutes.
Contributing Factors
Several factors contributed to Stansted’s success. The airport boasts an extensive European route network, offering passengers a wealth of travel options. Additionally, Stansted prioritizes a smooth and hassle-free travel experience, evident in its efficient operations.
The return of the Stansted Express service to a full four trains per hour in December significantly boosted winter passenger numbers.
This improved connection made Stansted a more attractive option for both international visitors and London residents.
Most Popular Destinations
Dublin, Istanbul, and Edinburgh were the most popular destinations for travelers flying out of Stansted in the year leading up to March 2024.
Spain, Italy, and Poland emerged as the top countries visited. Dubai, Switzerland, Iceland, and Moldova witnessed the most significant year-on-year growth, with Dubai experiencing a rapid rise due to Emirates’ return to a double-daily service.
Expressing his delight, Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, commented, “We’re thrilled to conclude our busiest and most successful winter season ever at Stansted with another record-breaking month in March.”
“This marks our sixth consecutive month with the highest passenger numbers we’ve ever seen.”
“Our passengers clearly appreciate the fantastic range of destinations we offer, coupled with our reliable, smooth, and efficient airport operations.”
“Thanks to the dedication of our entire team, these key factors are enabling us to consistently break passenger number records,” Mr. Powell continued.
Looking Toward Summer
Looking ahead, Mr. Powell acknowledged the successful handling of the busy Easter getaway and expressed optimism for an even busier summer season.
“We’re now gearing up for what we anticipate to be our busiest summer ever,” he declared.
In preparation for the influx of summer travelers, both local residents and international tourists choosing Stansted as their UK gateway, the airport is actively recruiting new staff and upgrading various facilities and services.
These efforts aim to further enhance the passenger experience as demand for flying from London Stansted continues to rise steadily.
Stansted Airport is the third-largest airport serving the capital city. It is known for being a major hub for low-cost airlines, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. Stansted currently offers flights to over 160 destinations across Europe, Asia and Africa.
It is a major hub for several budget airlines, making it a great option for finding affordable flights.
