London Stansted Airport has unveiled its draft Sustainable Development Plan (SDP), detailing a 20-year vision for growth focused on maximising benefits while addressing environmental and community impacts.
The plan outlines how the airport will handle increasing passenger demand without expanding its single runway or airport boundaries, ensuring growth aligns with sustainability goals.
Key proposals include transport improvements and a commitment to ensure 50% of airport journeys are via public transport, alongside upgrades to the M11’s Junction 8, local bus services, and other sustainable travel initiatives.
The airport projects handling 48-51 million passengers annually by the 2040s without exceeding its current cap on flights, thanks to airlines adopting larger, more fuel efficient aircraft.
This announcement follows a £1.1 billion investment programme, including a £600 million terminal extension designed to enhance passenger experience with expanded seating, retail, and dining options.
Public consultation on the plan is now open.
Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s managing director, said: “London Stansted has connected our area with the world, establishing the airport as a driver of economic growth and source of thousands of high-quality jobs and training opportunities while doing so.
“We want to continue to build on this success, growing the nearly 30 million passengers we welcomed this last year. With airlines offering more seats to more destinations, we will improve the choice passengers have, the value travel we offer, and make the most of our efficient terminal that is well connected to the local area.
“We’re proud of the role we play locally, have always taken our responsibilities seriously and will continue to do so as we make best use of our existing single runway, providing even more employment opportunities and working closely with local businesses to help them grow as the airport does.
“Over the coming months, we will be engaging widely with our local community on what the plan will involve, to ensure those who live and work near the airport and those who take advantage of the connectivity we provide get a chance to help shape the airport’s future.”
Image: London Stansted
