Stansted flying after record-busting February

Even without the extra leap year day, passenger numbers would have exceeded all previous highs.

More than 360,000 passengers jetted out for the half-term holiday alone, as families from across the East of England headed away for some winter sun, to go skiing and to visit friends and family.

Winter sun-seekers flocked to the Canary Islands, Southern Spain, Turkey, and Dubai, while the top choices for those heading to the slopes were Geneva, Chambery, Grenoble, Turin, Innsbruck, and Zurich. Short breaks to European cities such as Dublin, Edinburgh, Istanbul and Barcelona were also popular.

Thanks to the airport’s extensive European route network, demand also remained high from overseas visitors looking for affordable and convenient access to the UK, and London in particular.

With the Easter holidays fast approaching, the airport is now gearing up for what is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year.

Jonathan Fowler, London Stansted’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “It's been a really strong start to the year and we're certainly not seeing any let-up in the demand to fly as we now look ahead to the upcoming Easter break.

“The wet and cold weather here in the UK during February clearly encouraged many people to head off in search of some winter sun, but we also welcomed tens of thousands of visitors heading into London or sampling the delights of the East of England.”