London Stansted Airport has experienced a strong start to 2024, with record-breaking numbers in both passenger and cargo volumes. In April 2024, the airport handled 2.48 million passengers, marking its busiest April ever and surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by over 90,000 passengers. This represents a 5.5% increase compared to April 2023. Over the past 12 months ending in April, the airport has handled 28.64 million passengers, indicating a 10.8% rise from the previous year.
The airport’s cargo operations also achieved a milestone, with over 27,000 tonnes of freight moving through in April—the highest monthly total recorded to date. This service is crucial for connecting London and the East of England’s business sectors with markets in Europe, the USA, and across both the Far and Middle East. Such connectivity is vital for the Greater Cambridge area’s business ecosystem, facilitating global trading and international e-commerce across various industries.
Operational efficiency was notable in April, with 98% of departing passengers clearing security in 15 minutes or less, and average wait times of just three minutes during peak departure times. Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, stated that April was another strong month, with both passenger and cargo numbers hitting new highs. He attributed this success to the airport’s extensive passenger route network, efficient operations, and global connectivity provided by cargo carriers.
Powell also acknowledged that the Easter holidays at the start of the month were particularly busy. However, he praised the efforts of airport staff in delivering a smooth passenger experience. Harriet Fear MBE, Director at Cambridge&, emphasized the crucial role of London Stansted in the economic success of the East of England. She noted the airport’s importance in the movement of goods and products across the world, providing businesses in the Greater Cambridge ecosystem with convenient access to global markets, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, as well as to the US and Asia from a freight perspective.
