Airlines favour better use of London Stansted’s single runway

London Stansted’s planning application to increase passenger numbers up to 51 million a year over the next two decades has been backed by a number of leading airlines.

The application seeks permission to make best use of Stansted’s existing single runway by the 2040s without any increase in the number of flights the airport is already permitted to operate and within the existing airport boundary.

The growth in passenger numbers will be achieved by airlines flying new larger aircraft with more seating capacity than the models currently in operation.

It comes after Stansted has widened the choice available to passengers in recent years, adding new routes and welcoming a strong mix of airlines to the airport for the first time.

Ahead of a planning committee decision on the application at Uttlesford District Council this week, a number of airlines have thrown their support behind the plans.

Carriers that have submitted letters of support include Emirates, Ryanair, Jet2.com, Pegasus, Ajet and Turkish Airlines.

If approved, growing Stansted to that new limit will unlock:

• Up to 4,500 new jobs, supported by the airport’s existing training and education facilities
• Improvements to M11 Junction 8 to reduce congestion
• Funds for local bus services, roads and tackling fly-parking
• Half of all passenger journeys by public transport, to relieve pressure on local roads,

Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s managing director, said: “Our plans to sustainably grow the airport to serve up to 51 million passengers a year over the next two decades will help drive the on-going economic success along the innovation corridor from London to Cambridge and right across the east of England.

“This growth opportunity is clearly understood and strongly supported by our airline partners who will be able to serve more destinations and give passengers even more choice and great value options from their local airport.

“This strong backing by our airlines is really important and reflects our joint ambitions to continue growing and make the most of the available runway capacity at Stansted.

“If this application is approved, we will be able to unlock even more local opportunities and improvements over the next 20 years. We have an exciting and ambitious vision for London Stansted and how we best serve our region, so I’m delighted so many of our airlines are backing our plans.”

Commenting on the application, airlines, Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates’ divisional vice president  for UK, noted: “Emirates’ popular Dubai service from London Stansted reflects the airport’s growing importance as a strategic hub for international connectivity.

“Since the route began in 2018, demand has remained consistently strong, with over 1.6 million passengers carried and load factors exceeding industry averages.

“Stansted’s continued growth presents a valuable opportunity – not just for enhancing global access, but for supporting regional business development, job creation, and long-term investment across the East and Southeast of England.”

While Mehmet Gurulkan, general manager for Turkish Airlines in London, enthused: “We recognise Stansted’s growing role as a key international airport and are glad to support its ambitious growth plans while contributing to our greater global connectivity.”

And Elifnur Doğruöz, Pegasus Group’s head of network planning and airline collaborations, said: “As a key operator, serving nearly 900,000 passengers in 2024, we recognise Stansted’s vital role in connecting the East of England to Türkiye and beyond.

“Increasing passenger capacity will enable greater route flexibility, strengthen regional connectivity, and enhance access to global markets.”