London Stansted Airport achieved a historic milestone as passenger numbers soared to unprecedented levels during the October half-term holiday.
On October 27th, over 107,000 travelers passed through the terminal, marking the busiest day in the airport’s history.
This sets a new daily record at Stansted Airport, surpassing the previous high of 104,000 from August 23rd. It also marks the fourth time in 2024 that the airport has broken its own passenger record.
Busiest October on Record
The airport’s popularity continued throughout October, welcoming 2.67 million passengers – its busiest October ever. This represents an increase of 97,000 compared to the previous year’s record.
Holiday destinations proved particularly popular, with Turkey, the Canary Islands, Spain, and Portugal leading the way.
The airport also saw a surge in incoming passengers, serving as a key gateway for international visitors. Many attended major sporting events in London, including European football matches and NFL games.
Operational Performance
Despite the high volume of travelers, the airport maintained excellent operational standards. Security processing remained efficient, with 99% of passengers clearing security within 15 minutes. During peak departure times, the average wait time was just two minutes.
The airport’s rolling 12-month passenger count reached 29.45 million by October’s end. This shows a 6.7% growth compared to the previous year.
Commenting on these achievements, Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said: “Breaking our all-time daily passenger record in late October demonstrates our airport’s outstanding capability and the strong appeal of our services.”
“Our success stems from offering reliability, diverse flight options, competitive prices, and operational excellence.”
“We understand these factors heavily influence our passengers’ travel choices. That’s why our teams consistently work to deliver a smooth airport experience while maintaining the UK’s best European connectivity.”
He added: “October brought multiple successes, including winning Airport of the Year at the UK National Transport Awards. We also revealed our £1.1 billion investment strategy, a five-year plan that will enhance passenger services and expand our global connections.”
“This investment will transform the airport experience while preserving the efficient, straightforward service our passengers value.”
About London Stansted
London Stansted Airport (STN) currently stands as the UK’s fourth-busiest airport and serves as a major hub for low-cost carriers in Europe. Located 42 miles northeast of Central London in Essex, it plays a crucial role in connecting the capital and East of England to over 200 destinations across Europe and beyond.
As a base for airlines like Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI Airways, Stansted specializes in short-haul European flights and leisure routes. The airport has seen significant growth in recent years, handling nearly 30 million passengers annually and serving as a vital economic driver for the region.
Looking ahead, Stansted is implementing a £1.1 billion investment program to enhance its facilities and passenger experience.
This includes terminal upgrades, improved security systems, and expanded retail offerings, positioning the airport for continued growth while maintaining its reputation for efficient operations.
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