London Stansted Airport has experienced its busiest July on record with an impressive 2.9 million passengers passing through its terminal.
This surge in traveler numbers coincided with the start of the peak summer holiday season. It highlights the airport’s growing popularity as a key hub for both leisure and business travel.
The July passenger total represented a 3.4% increase compared to the same month last year. The performance solidified its position as the third busiest month in Stansted’s history.
This growth trend reflects the airport’s ongoing efforts to enhance capacity and improve services to meet rising demand.
Records Set in July
A new record was set on July 26, the first Friday of school holidays. Stansted saw its busiest departure day in its history on this day. Nearly 53,000 passengers took to the skies on this single day, demonstrating the airport’s ability to handle high-volume traffic efficiently.
Popular destinations played a significant role in driving these numbers. Dublin, Istanbul, and Palma de Mallorca emerged as the top three destinations. Meanwhile Spain, Italy, and Turkey were the most favored countries among travelers.
These preferences underscore the diverse range of routes offered by Stansted. The London airport caters to both short-haul European getaways and longer international journeys.
The 12-month total to the end of July stood at an impressive 29.12 million passengers. This marked an 8.5% increase from the previous year. This sustained growth demonstrates Stansted’s expanding role in the UK’s aviation landscape.
Operational Performance
Operational performance remained a key focus amidst the surge in passenger numbers. The airport maintained high standards of efficiency, with 99% of departing passengers clearing security in 15 minutes or less.
Even during the busiest departure peaks, average queue times were kept under four and a half minutes, ensuring a smooth start to travellers’ journeys.
Stansted’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility was also recognized. For the second consecutive year, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) awarded the airport’s services for passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities the highest possible rating of “very good.”
This accolade reflects the dedicated efforts of airport staff and service provider ABM in creating a welcoming and accommodating environment for all passengers.
A Nod to Younger Travellers
In a nod to younger travellers, July saw the launch of Stansted’s latest Little Book of Travel Tales. This initiative, born from a World Book Day competition, invited children from surrounding schools to share stories about flights, aircraft, holidays, and airport work.
The resulting book is being distributed by airport staff to entertain young passengers throughout the summer, adding a touch of creativity and local community involvement to the travel experience.
Anita Harrison, London Stansted’s Customer Operations Director, expressed pride in the airport’s performance: “July has been an exceptional month for London Stansted.”
“We’ve not only handled record-breaking passenger numbers but have done so while maintaining high standards of service and efficiency. Our teams across the airport have worked tirelessly to ensure smooth journeys and positive experiences for all our passengers.”
“The strong security performance, with virtually all departing passengers clearing checks in under 15 minutes, is a testament to our commitment to minimizing stress and maximizing convenience.”
“We’re equally proud of our top rating from the CAA for services to passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities, which reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusivity.
“As we continue through the busy summer season, we anticipate sustained high demand. Rest assured, we’ll continue our efforts to deliver the best possible experience for everyone choosing to fly from London Stansted.”
“From families embarking on summer holidays to business travelers making important connections, our goal is to make every journey from Stansted as smooth and enjoyable as possible.”
As Stansted Airport continues to grow and evolve, it appears focused on balancing increased capacity with enhanced passenger experiences.
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