London Stansted Airport Guide
London Stansted Airport sits near Stansted Mountfitchet in Uttlesford, Essex, about 50 km north-east of central London. It is London's third-busiest airport and the fourth-busiest in the UK by passenger numbers. The airfield opened as a military facility in 1943, and the current passenger terminal began operating in 1991.
In 2024 Stansted handled a record 29.76 million passengers, up 5.8% on the previous record of 28.14 million set in 2019, and recorded 179,135 aircraft movements. Cargo throughput reached 307,675 tonnes. The airport has a single runway, 04/22, which is 3,049 m long.
The airport has one main terminal with three satellite buildings. Ryanair is the largest operator, and Jet2 and TUI Airways also base aircraft here. The airport serves around 200 destinations, with Dublin, Istanbul and Edinburgh the most popular routes in 2024.
Stansted is owned and operated by MAG (Manchester Airports Group), which acquired it in February 2013 and also runs Manchester and East Midlands airports. In November 2023 a 600 million pound terminal extension was approved to raise capacity to 43 million passengers a year, and the airport is carrying out a wider transformation programme that includes a solar farm, barrierless express drop-off and a new domestic baggage facility.
Services
5 of 6 availableCompare 39 listed options at London Stansted Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges, hotels and shuttles. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for London Stansted Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 30M passengers (2024)1 runwayopened 1991
- Location
- 51.885, 0.235
- Operator
- Manchester Airports Group (MAG)
Terminals
1 terminalLondon Stansted Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Main Terminal, handling both international and domestic flights for around 6 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Main TerminalMixed
Ryanair, Jet2, TUI Airways, easyJet, Turkish Airlines, British Airways
Concourses Satellite 1 · Satellite 2 · Satellite 3
Nearby cities
5 citiesLondon Stansted Airport is closest to Bishop's Stortford (11 km west), and also serves Harlow, Chelmsford and other nearby areas. With 5 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- London60 km southwest
- Bishop's Stortford11 km west
- Cambridge40 km north
- Harlow21 km southwest
- Chelmsford29 km south
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the airport codes for London Stansted Airport?
Where is London Stansted Airport located?
Where is London Stansted Airport located?
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What services are available at London Stansted Airport?
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