London Stansted says it is set to ‘transform’ the airport experience after being granted planning permission to extend its terminal building.

Following a hearing earlier this month, the airport will begin a three-bay extension to the back of the terminal building, extending it by 16,500m2 to cope with the airport’s growing capacity.

Stansted says it has been London’s fastest recovering airport, serving more than 27 million passengers in the last 12 months.

The plans will see the terminal gain a more spacious departure lounge, further shops, bars and restaurants, state-of-the-art check-in desks, increased baggage capacity and a larger security hall with more security lanes. 

Managing Director Gareth Powell, said: “Our plans will transform the airport experience for everyone connected with London Stansted, so today’s decision by the Planning Inspectorate to approve our scheme is excellent news for our passengers, colleagues, airport partners and the region we serve.

“Stansted is now entering a new phase in its history, as we look to serve more passengers than ever before. Our unique and growing route network, and easy access to and from London and the east of England, is a fantastic platform to build on. We know Stansted will have a critical role to play in serving the future capacity needs of London.

“Being a single terminal airport enables us to offer the millions of passengers who choose us each year a simple, efficient and reliable experience when they fly. This is something they clearly value and enjoy when choosing which airport to use, so they can be confident our plans will build on this success and make every airport journey even better in the future.

“Stansted is a national and regional asset, and our investment plans are not only an exciting prospect for our passengers and colleagues, they will also boost our competitiveness within the London aviation market, which in turn will support economic growth, jobs and vital international connectivity for London and the East of England.”