London Stansted gets set to welcome more passengers as Brits get green light to travel
- Government travel traffic light system comes into effect from Monday 17th May, unlocking non-essential travel
- Passengers reminded to check individual destination restrictions and ensure all UK Government requirements are met before they travel
- Airport Covid-19 safety measures remain place
Ahead of non-essential international travel resuming on Monday, London Stansted is advising passengers of everything they need to know before jetting off from the airport.
The airport has pulled together guidance from all of its partners, including airlines, retailers and Border Force to create a handy guide for passengers.
Customers are also advised to follow the airport’s social media channels, on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
Government Traffic Light System:
On Friday 7th May the Transport Secretary outlined the Government’s Traffic Light system, with 12 countries initially on the green list. Each tier has its own restrictions, such as quarantine and testing requirements upon returning to the UK. Passengers can read and find out about their destination here and what tests they will need to book.
Government Passenger Locator Form:
All passengers arriving into the UK, despite their destination, need to complete a mandatory passenger locator form pre-travel. Failure to do this is likely to cause a delay at immigration. This process is managed by Border Force and forms can be found here.
At the Airport:
Terminal/Flights
Due to the pandemic, many passengers won’t have flown through London Stansted for a long time, so should note some key changes ahead of their journey. The airport has worked closely with all its partners throughout the pandemic to align its operations with passenger demand and deliver the best possible customer experience.
Even though there are 12 destinations on the green list, Stansted currently only has flights to Portugal from that list, and some airlines are still to confirm which routes they may operate in the coming weeks. Passengers should check airline websites for the very latest flight schedule information.
Retail Options:
As restrictions begin to ease from Monday, additional retail options will be available to passengers to enjoy ahead of their flight. From Monday 17th May the following outlets will be open:
Landside:
- Boots
- WH Smith
- ICE
Airside:
- Boots
- WH Smith
- Pret A Manger
- WDF and WDF Express
- Leon
- Accessorize
- JD Sports
- Hamleys
- Harris & Hoole
- Cabin
More shops, bars and restaurants are due to open in the coming weeks in line with increased demand and we will provide further updates to keep passengers informed.
Safety Measures:
Throughout the pandemic, London Stansted has implemented a range of Covid-19 safety measures. As a result, the airport recently became one of the first in the UK to receive CAA recognition for the measures implemented across the airport to make it Covid-secure as it prepares for the return of more passengers in the coming weeks.
These measures include enhanced cleaning, installation of perspex screens in customer-facing areas, mandatory face coverings while at the airport, and sanitiser stations.
It is commonly accepted that social distancing won’t always be an option in a transport setting, so these measures help keep passengers safe when they cannot keep their distance. The airport also continues to follow the latest Government and Public Health England advice, as it has done throughout the pandemic. For all the latest information see www.stanstedairport.com/coronavirus
Getting to the airport:
The Stansted Express train service is currently operating a half-hourly service between the airport and London Liverpool Street.
The National Express A9 coach service between London Stratford and the airport resumes on Monday 17th May.
Local bus services are in operation but may be operating reduced schedules.
All passengers intending to use public transport are advised to check the latest timetables with the operator before travelling.
On-airport car parking options are currently reduced. Passengers are advised to book their parking online in advance to get the best price. Details and options can be found here.
Steve Griffiths, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said:
“The resumption of international travel and launch of the green list is an important step to easing Covid-19 restrictions, and Monday will be an important milestone for us as we begin to welcome more passengers back to the airport.
“We understand many people haven’t flown in a long time due to the pandemic, but our passengers can be reassured we have committed to implementing the highest quality Covid-19 safety measures across London Stansted.
“Assisted by the CAA and Public Health England, we recently received recognition for the measures we have implemented in line with guidance set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“This recognition is great testament and credit to the hard work of our teams across the business to keep our passengers and colleagues safe, and ensure we’re ready for the restart of international travel.
“As we start the road to recovery, we will continue to work closely with all our partners across the airport to ensure passengers have the best possible experience as they fly off on well-earned holidays or finally get to see family and friends.
"We will also continue to work closely with government to unlock a more meaningful restart for international travel, by taking advantage of the UK's vaccination programme to increase the number of countries on the green list and work towards the removal of restrictions altogether over time."