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London's leading low-cost hub in Essex.
Opened
1943
Location
Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, United Kingdom
London Stansted Airport is one of the United Kingdom's busiest international airports, serving as a major base for low-cost carriers, particularly Ryanair. Located approximately 48 kilometres north-east of central London in the county of Essex, it handles tens of millions of passengers annually.
The airport is owned and operated by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which acquired it from BAA in 2013. Its single terminal, designed by Sir Norman Foster, is widely admired for its modernist architecture and efficient passenger flow.
Stansted has a long history dating back to World War II, when it served as a United States Army Air Forces base. It underwent major redevelopment in the late 1980s and early 1990s to become a full international commercial airport.
Terminals
The airport operates a single passenger terminal designed by Sir Norman Foster, featuring a distinctive roof structure and satellite pier system.
Getting to & from
The Stansted Express rail service connects the airport to London Liverpool Street station in approximately 47 minutes, with additional coach and bus services available.
Airlines here
Ryanair uses Stansted as its primary UK hub, while easyJet and several other low-cost and charter carriers also operate here.
Notable facts
- ›Stansted is the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom by passenger numbers.
- ›The terminal building, opened in 1991, was designed by architect Sir Norman Foster.
- ›Ryanair operates more flights from Stansted than any other airline, making it their largest UK base.
- ›The airport was used as a USAAF base during World War II, designated Station 169.
- ›Manchester Airports Group acquired Stansted from BAA in 2013 for £1.5 billion.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
