The major airport that could become the second biggest in the UK ahead of huge expansion plans with 51million passengers
A PLAN to expand one UK airport has been approved – meaning it could become the second busiest in the country.
In 2024, the airport saw almost 30million passengers, but with the new plans could see 20million more.
The airport in question is London Stansted in Essex which has plans for more flights, but no structural changes.
London Stansted could rise to become the UK’s second busiest airport, rather than the fourth, after councillors agreed to increase its annual passenger numbers to 51million.
The owner, Manchester Airports Group’s, latest plan is to increase passenger capacity at the airport to between 48 and 51million people per year by 2040.
In comparison, London Gatwick sees between 40 to 43million passengers each year.
While you might think that the airport would need an additional runway, there are no plans to build one.
There won’t be a second runway, or exceed the airport’s limit of 274,000 flights a year.
The way it will increase its passengers is by accommodating larger planes.
On December 17, 2025, Uttlesford District Council’s Planning Committee ruled in favour of the application.
The airport currently serves flight across 40 countries, and is already working on an expansion costing a £1.1billion.
This work that started in 2025 is expected to be finished in two to three years and includes more seating areas and new shops, bars and restaurants.
It also includes a larger security hall, more check-in desks and a new baggage reclaim carousel.
Another London airport preparing for expansion is the busiest in the country; London Heathrow.
The £33billion plan for Heathrow Airport to create a third runway was given the green light earlier this year.
And ministers backed plans from the airports owners that would see the M25 moved to make way for the addition.
The Heathrow proposals involve building a 3,500-metre runway and a new M25 tunnel and bridges to be built 130 metres west of the existing motorway.
It is estimated to cost £33 billion, including £1.5 billion on re-routing the M25.
This would see nearby villages like Longford and Harmondsworth demolished.
It will see Heathrow’s capacity increase to 756,000 flights and 150million passengers per year.
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