London Stansted Airport (IATA: STN, ICAO: EGSS) is a major international airport located in Stansted Mountfitchet, in the Uttlesford district of Essex, about 48 km (30 miles) northeast of central London. Operated by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), it offers an extensive European route network, making it one of the UK’s most important low‑cost airline hubs. Ryanair remains its largest carrier, serving over 130 destinations, and the airport is also used for cargo and private aviation, with facilities like the Harrods Aviation terminal available for business jets and state flights.
In 2024, Stansted achieved a record-breaking year, welcoming 29.76 million passengers, a 5.8 % increase over its previous high in 2019. Looking ahead, the airport has submitted expansion proposals designed to increase annual passenger capacity to as much as 51 million by the 2040s, all while continuing to operate on its existing single runway. As part of this vision, the airport is planning infrastructure upgrades, including a new rapid-exit taxiway and improved “start of roll” points, as well as better public transport links and sustainable access options.
Stansted’s single runway (04/22) measures 3,048 m (about 10,000 ft) in length and is 46 m wide, capable of accommodating large, wide-body aircraft. The airport currently has more than 200 direct European destinations and operates 24 hours a day, although night operations are subject to quota restrictions between 23:30 and 06:00.