London Stansted ended 2022 with a continued strong passenger performance as the airport welcomed more than 1.85 million passengers in December.
The monthly total is more than double the number of passengers served in December last year and represents 93% of passengers that used Stansted in the same month in 2019, before the pandemic.
The total number of passengers that passed through the airport in 2022 reached 23.3million, up 226% on 2021.
The strong performance continues to be underpinned by the airport’s extensive European route network, which once again prove extremely popular with passengers, especially with those flying off to visit family and friends over the festive season.
Operational performance in December was also strong, with 99% of passengers passing through security in 15 minutes or less.
The airport received a further boost with news that Emirates is ramping up its London Stansted operation by resuming its second daily service to Dubai from May 1, 2023, which is expected to enable more trade and economic growth in the East of England and London.
Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said: “To round the year off with another strong passenger performance in December is a great achievement, and a testament to the strength of Stansted’s route network.
This was the first festive season for three years without travel restrictions, so we were delighted to welcome so many passengers, and I’m equally pleased we were able to provide a strong operational and security performance during such a busy period. This success was down to the hard work and dedication of all our colleagues, and close cooperation and planning with our many partners right across the airport campus.
Stansted’s rapid recovery during 2022 was great news for everyone connected with the airport, but my focus is now on maintaining and building upon that success as well look ahead to what we expect to be an even busier 12 months ahead of us.”