London Stansted records busiest ever October
London Stansted recorded its busiest ever October as nearly 2.6 million passengers passed through its terminal, surpassing the previous record set in 2018.
The popularity of the airport’s extensive European route network, plus the half-term getaway, ensured Stansted welcomed more than 28,000 more passengers than in 2018. The total was also up 9.7% on the same month last year.
The number of passengers served at the airport in the 12-months ending October 2023 stands at 27.6 million, an increase of 27% on the previous year.
Operational performance during the month remained stable, with 96% of passengers passing safely through security in 15 minutes or less, with an average queue time of just over five minutes during the busiest departure peaks.
The top three most popular countries during the month were Spain, Italy and Germany, while the busiest routes were Dublin, Istanbul and Edinburgh.
During the month, the airport also received planning permission to extend its terminal building. The extension will transform the airport experience, improving every step of a passenger’s journey, from check-in on departure through to when they arrive at immigration. It will also provide capacity to accommodate forecast passenger growth towards the airport’s approved limit.
Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said:
“After a very busy and positive summer season at London Stansted, we have seen the rapid growth in passenger numbers continue into the autumn as we recorded our busiest October ever.
“We know our position as the number one UK airport for destinations to Europe, coupled with the ease and efficiency of using the airport, helps make Stansted the natural choice for so many passengers from London to Cambridge, and right across the wider eastern region.
“And as has been the case all year, our extensive and unique route network continues to be extremely popular with many overseas visitors seeking convenient and great value direct access to the UK.
“We also achieved a very significant milestone last month as we secured planning permission to extend our terminal building. This project will help transform the airport journey while maintaining the simple, efficient and reliable experience we know our passengers really value when they choose to fly from Stansted.
“As we enter a new phase of growth in the years ahead and serve more passengers each year than ever before, they can be confident our plans will build on this success and make every airport journey even better in the future.”