Passenger Numbers Up At Stansted

10 July 2014, 10:07 | Updated: 10 July 2014, 10:14

Stansted Airport has handled an increased number of passengers in June.

More than 1.85 million travellers passed through the terminal last month - an 11.7% increase than the same month in 2013.

The monthly increase is Stansted's highest for eight years and was achieved despite some flights having to be cancelled due to the French air traffic control strike.

Stansted handled 18.48 million passengers in the 12 months ending June 2014 - an increase of 4.2% over the previous 12 months.

Andrew Harrison, Stansted's Managing Director, said: "The continuing growth of passenger numbers at Stansted clearly demonstrates just how far the airport has come since being acquired by M.A.G last year. To experience our highest monthly rate of growth since 2006 is a fantastic achievement and sends a loud and positive message that Stansted is changing for the better.
 
"Stansted has a critical role to play in the coming years in meeting the UK's need to increase connectivity. As the only airport in the congested South-East with significant room to grow, it's vital we make the most of the infrastructure we already have.
 
"To this end, we will shortly begin consulting with our local communities on our proposed Sustainable Development Plan that considers the benefits and effects of how the airport might develop to make full use of the existing runway
 
"We have planning permission for 35 million passengers a year but could provide additional capacity with relatively low impacts, high benefits and supporting the UK's economic growth ambitions in the most cost effective and sustainable way possible."