With the steady increase of passengers flying into and out of Stansted, they are looking to establish more long haul flights from the airport. With the increase in passenger traffic and a higher percentage of seats on all flights filled, they are looking toward the next step. Stansted just recorded its best numbers for December since 2007. This follows the continued growth they have shown for the past 21 months.
With the extensive updates and increasing options at Stansted, they are looking to finishing the final phases of the renovations at Stansted and then will begin work on the next phase. Airport officials say work is now underway to build a 357 bed, 45 million dollar hotel next to the terminal. This will provide more options much closer to the airport and will make Stansted more appealing for long haul passengers.
As part of the ongoing changes, Stansted will be looking to add more long haul flights as they have proven they are capable of handling the increase in passengers as well as being able to provide accommodation for them.
Airport officials say they are confident they will be able to announce new airline partners joining them in the coming months as well as adding more long haul services. With these new changes the airport is steadily growing in popularity, in particular with customers on the eastern side of London. We will continue to watch and see what new surprises the airport has planned for their next steps.