London Stansted has confirmed it has gained planning approval for a 16,500sqm three-bay extension to its main terminal building.

The work will create a more spacious departure lounge, with additional shops, bars and restaurants. It will also allow for enhanced security, check-in desks and baggage capacity. 

Stansted said the decision, which came on 17 October from the Planning Inspectorate, will provide capacity to allow it to grow up to its approved limit.

The airport added that it was London’s fastest to recover after Covid-19-related travel restrictions. In the last 12 months it has handled over 27 million passengers.

“Our plans will transform the airport experience for everyone connected with London Stansted, so [the] decision by the Planning Inspectorate to approve our scheme is excellent news for our passengers, colleagues, airport partners and the region we serve,” said Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director. 

“Stansted is now entering a new phase in its history, as we look to serve more passengers than ever before. 

“Our unique and growing route network, and easy access to and from London and the east of England, is a fantastic platform to build on. 

“We know Stansted will have a critical role to play in serving the future capacity needs of London.”

London Stansted ‘valued’ for its single terminal 

Powell continued: “Being a single-terminal airport enables us to offer the millions of passengers who choose us each year a simple, efficient and reliable experience when they fly. 

“This is something they clearly value and enjoy when choosing which airport to use, so they can be confident our plans will build on this success and make every airport journey even better in the future.

“Stansted is a national and regional asset, and our investment plans are not only an exciting prospect for our passengers and colleagues, they will also boost our competitiveness within the London aviation market, which in turn will support economic growth, jobs and vital international connectivity for London and the East of England.

“Our aim is to be the airport of choice for even more passengers, and we are confident we can achieve that goal by further enhancing our facilities and attracting even more airlines to the airport to provide the best range of destinations.”

In January, Manchester Airports Group, which owns Stansted, said it had recovered to 90% of pre-pandemic passenger levels.