The decision to expand Essex’s largest airport is due on Wednesday, after councillors must decide whether or not to adhere to Manchester Airport Group’s plans to increase passenger numbers at Stansted by millions, originally proposed in 2023.
The figures are…
This could increase footfall in the airport up to 51 million, surpassing London Gatwick’s 43.2 million. The current busiest airport in the UK is London Heathrow, with 83.9 million passengers annually.
The initial start of this five-year plan comes in lieu of long-awaited plans for Gatwick’s second runway being approved earlier this year, with plans to see the runway operational by 2030. Whilst there are no plans for a second runway at Stansted, expansion plans include making both departure and arrival areas larger and more accessible, as well as reconfiguring gate rooms for easier passenger flow.
What do the councillors think?
The next phase is to be decided by Uttlesford District Council, after Hertfordshire County Council voted against the proposal, stating that not enough had been done in consideration of increasing local traffic and pressure on railways. However, Uttlesford Council has stated that the ‘economic benefits are significant’.
Improvements to the airport motorway connection, the M11, would be made at J11 to better accommodate increased visits and potential congestion. The proposal also would see the creation of over 4500 jobs in and around Stansted Airport.
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