London Stansted is celebrating a landmark year as it welcomed a record-breaking 29.76 million passengers in 2024 – the busiest ever year in the airport’s history. The new annual high is a 5.8% increase on the previous record of 28.14 million passengers set in 2019.
The airport also rounded off the record year with its busiest ever December as strong demand from travellers choosing to fly from their local airport over the festive period. Offering a choice of 200 destinations and a focus on delivering a reliable and efficient operation, the airport handled 2.23 million passengers in December, a 7.4% increase compared to the same month in 2023.
The year saw Dublin, Istanbul, and Edinburgh as the most popular destinations, while Spain, Italy, and Poland were the top countries for passengers. Dubai also remained a key destination, with travellers from the region choosing the ever-popular Emirates service, a success further highlighted by the opening of a luxury business lounge at the airport in October.
The airport’s cargo operations experienced significant growth, reinforcing its role as a vital hub for regional businesses and global trade. In 2024, Stansted handled 307,675 tonnes of cargo, up 15.6% on the previous 12-months. December alone saw 23,607 tonnes processed, maintaining levels from 2023.
Operational performance in December remained strong, with 99% of passengers passing through security in under 15 minutes, and an average queue time of just over 3 minutes during the busiest departure peaks.
These milestones coincide with the airport’s ongoing £1.1 billion transformation project, with several major initiatives set to launch in 2025. In the coming months the airport will also be engaging with the local community to share and discuss the recently launched draft Sustainable Development Plan (SDP). This forward-looking strategy outlines Stansted’s vision for sustainable growth over the next 20 years.
Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said:
“It was a fantastic year for London Stansted in 2024, and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. Welcoming a record-breaking 29.76 million passengers is great testament to the dedication of our team and the continued trust of our passengers and partners in the airport.
“Our success continues to be driven by the endless possibilities to travel affordably and conveniently from London Stansted with the choice of around fantastic 200 destinations, plus the reliable and efficient airport operation we are able to deliver for our passengers.
“This great service and fantastic choice ensured we ended the year with another strong performance in December with 2.23 million passengers passing through our doors, many heading off on their holidays and winter breaks over the Christmas period or choosing Stansted as their gateway to the UK for the festivities.
“And as we move into 2025, we expect the year ahead to be another busy and exciting time at the airport.
“Our £1.1 billion transformation programme in now underway, with a number of new projects already progressing well, including the development of our own on-site solar farm, the introduction of barrierless access to the express set down area plus a new domestic baggage reclaim facility as we continue to enhance the passenger experience.
“I’m also looking forward to us beginning to engage in more detail with our local community on our draft Sustainable Development Plan, which will help shape the future of London Stansted over the next 20 years as we look to make best use of our existing single runway to continue to maximise the benefits and managing the impact of the airport’s operation for local communities.”
