London Stansted is gearing up for its busiest summer yet with up to 4.4 million passengers expected to travel through the terminal during the six-week school holidays.
Between Saturday 19 July and Sunday 31 August, the airport is forecast to welcome 2.2 million departing passengers with a similar number arriving into the UK during the period.
On average, 100,000 people are expected to travel through the terminal each day during the holidays, with the busiest day set to be Saturday 3 August when 107,000 passengers are expected at the airport.
That day will also see the highest number of departures with 54,000 people flying out. The peak arrival day will be Sunday 31 August, with 55,000 people returning to the UK.
Popular destinations for outbound travellers include the Spanish Costas, the Canary and Balearic Islands, the Algarve, Turkey, the Greek Islands and Dubai. The airport will also play a vital role in welcoming thousands of international visitors heading to London and the East of England.
With the big summer getaway only days away, the airport is reminding passengers to follow current security rules when packing their hand luggage, even though new scanners are now operational in the terminal.
Although the new scanners will eventually allow passengers to leave electronics in their bags and carry liquids over 100ml, current Department for Transport guidance means the existing rules still apply.
Passengers should continue to remove electronic items from their bags and ensure all liquids are under 100ml are packed in a clear plastic bag until all security lanes across the UK are fully upgraded.
Although the majority of passengers at London Stansted will pass through upgraded lanes, the airport is asking everyone to prepare as normal to help ensure a smooth experience.
This summer also brings an expanded flight schedule with several new routes recently launched by Ryanair, Jet2, British Airways, Transavia, Air Algérie, Royal Air Maroc and SunExpress, adding even more destinations across Europe, North Africa and beyond.
Anita Harrison, Customer Operations Director, said:
“With schools breaking up next week, we’re ready to welcome 4.4 million passengers through the terminal during the summer holidays. Whether they’re heading off to the sun or arriving to explore the UK, London Stansted offers a great choice of destinations and a smooth airport experience. We’ve now introduced new scanners in our security lanes, which will eventually make the process even easier for passengers. However, the current government rules remain in place, so we’re reminding everyone to pack as normal, with liquids under 100ml and electronics taken out of hand luggage at security. Following these steps will help ensure a quick and easy journey through the airport for everyone.”
The airport’s readiness for the busy summer follows the recent opening of its new domestic arrivals facility by local MP Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch, a key milestone in London Stansted’s ongoing transformation programme to boost capacity and enhance the passenger experience.
