London Stansted reports record 2.88 million passengers in September

London Stansted handled 2.88 million passengers in September, a record for the month, according to figures the airport released. That is 6.4% more than a year earlier and 170,000 above the previous September record, set in 2024.

Daily numbers passed 100,000 on 12 days. The airport said it had never exceeded that figure in September before. Its rolling 12-month total is 30.87 million, up 2.9% year on year.

Stansted put the demand down to late summer sunseekers and long weekend breaks.

The airport also reported progress on its transformation programme. A 12.8MW on-site solar farm is now operational and helping to power the airport. The airside passenger bussing facility and link bridge have been removed, clearing the way for foundation works on a new terminal extension. Stansted called the work a move from the demolition phase into construction.

Managing director Gareth Powell said demand had not let up after the airport's busiest summer season, and that passenger growth shows the role it plays in connecting the region with destinations across Europe and beyond. Powell said the transformation programme is meant to improve the passenger experience while supporting longer-term sustainability goals, and welcomed the solar farm coming online and the completion of enabling works for the terminal extension.