Stansted set for Christmas cracker as passengers take flight for festive fun

This year’s figure will cover a 17-day period, while last year’s 875,000 passengers was notched over 12 days and 2022’s 1.2 million across 18 days. The differences usually depend on when schools break up and return.

During a blockbusting last month the airport recorded its busiest ever November, welcoming 2.14 million passengers during the month.

The total was 8.3 per cent up on the same month in 2023 and surpassed the previous November record, set in 2018, by more than 152,000.

Cause for optimism is justified as not all passengers were fleeing a cold and wet UK to head for the sun last month.

Dublin, Istanbul, and Edinburgh were the most popular routes in November, while Spain, Italy and Germany ranked as the top destination countries.

Operational performance during November remained strong, with 99 per cent of passengers passing safely through security in 15 minutes or less, and with an average queue time of just over two minutes during the main departure peaks.

The number of passengers using Stansted in the 12-months to the end of November stands at 29.61 million – up 6.7 per cent on the previous year.

During the month, the airport also marked a significant milestone in its £1.1 billion investment programme with the ground-breaking and initial work on a new domestic baggage reclaim facility – one of several key transformation projects now underway.

More than 1.3 million passengers are now expected to travel between December 20 and January 5 as people jet off to spend the holidays with loved ones or enjoy festive breaks.

Stansted is also popular with people visiting London and the wider UK as tourists or to spend time with friends and family. With four trains an hour running directly into central London, it expects to be busy with people seeking a festive break in the capital or spending Christmas with family and friends living in the UK.

Nick Millar, London Stansted’s Operations Director, said: “We expect the strong passenger demand seen in November to continue in the run up to Christmas and over the festive period when we are set to welcome more than 1.3 million people heading off on their holidays and winter breaks or choosing Stansted as their gateway to the UK for the festivities.

“Our operational plans are already in place and our teams will be working hard to make sure every passenger has the best experience possible while travelling through the airport over the holidays.”