Stansted Airport given permission for new £130m terminal

Stansted Airport has been given planning permission for a new £130 million arrivals building.

It will be built next to the current terminal and will include larger immigration and baggage reclaim areas and new retail facilities.

The existing terminal will be dedicated to departing passengers, providing more space at check-in, security and in the departure lounge.

The first phase of works will begin later this summer.

Planning permission for the development was granted by Uttlesford District Council.

Stansted Airport’s Chief Executive, Andrew Cowan, said: “At a time when airport capacity in the country is at a premium, Stansted is playing a vital role in supporting both the regional and national economy.

"This project will strengthen our ability to do this by enabling us to make the most efficient use of our single runway.

“We will also be investing in other terminal improvements in the short term to keep pace with increased passenger and airline demand that we expect over the next few years."

Aviation Minister, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said: “These plans signal the start of an exciting new chapter for Stansted Airport, which already contributes £1 billion to the economy, and will help connect more passengers across the UK and throughout the world.

“Investment in our airports plays a key role in strengthening air links across the country, opening up new tourism and business opportunities and growing local economies.

"Plans for a dedicated arrivals building will ensure that Stansted can meet growing demand, improve the experience for passengers, create new jobs, and boost economic growth in the region. This is excellent news for the millions of passengers who travel through the airport each year.”