Stansted expects millions more passengers by 2040

London Stansted said it could handle between 48 and 51 million passengers a year from 2040.

The Essex airport said it would welcome the higher number of passengers without increasing the existing number of flights as airlines planned to use larger aircrafts.

Chairman of campaigning Stansted Airport Watch, Brian Ross, said there was a "sense of relief" there had been no mention of a second runway to manage the passenger increase, but there are concerns about its impact on local roads.

A spokesperson from Stansted said those who lived and worked near the airport would "get a chance to help shape the airport’s future".

A five-year work programme is due to start at the airport in 2025 after a £1.1bn investment, including a £600m extension to the airport’s existing terminal.

Stansted owner Manchester Airports Group (MAG), has since published a draft Sustainable Development Plan (SDP) on how it plans to manage the growth.

From Stansted, 29.3 million jet-setters took flight in the year to September.

The airport expects to welcome 43 million passengers a year once works are completed and expects a further 48 to 51 million from 2040.

Mr Ross, who has campaigned against the airport's expansion, told the BBC it was "no great surprise" to hear about the increase and he was happy to hear no extra flights had been proposed.

"To some extent there's a sense of relief because they're not speaking about a second runway between now and then," he said.

"That's good news for local residents but it does mean about 20 million more passengers than today. That's going to have a major impact on our roads."

The draft SDP outlined increased support for the Stansted Airport College as well as infrastructure and access improvements to roads and transport.

It also mentioned passenger travel to and from the airport evolving and the airport’s economic contribution, including 16,300 jobs.

London Stansted’s managing director, Gareth Powell, said: "We’re proud of the role we play locally, have always taken our responsibilities seriously and will continue to do so as we make best use of our existing single runway, providing even more employment opportunities and working closely with local businesses to help them grow as the airport does.

"Over the coming months, we will be engaging widely with our local community on what the plan will involve, to ensure those who live and work near the airport and those who take advantage of the connectivity we provide get a chance to help shape the airport’s future."

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.