Logistics UK responds to London Stansted Airport consultation

The Sustainable Development Plan (SDP) sets out how Stansted intends to make best use of the airport’s existing single runway. As part of this plan, London Stansted is proposing to submit a planning application outlining plans to increase the airport’s annual passenger limit from 43 million passengers to 51 million passengers.

Ellis Shelton, Logistics UK's Senior Policy Advisor said: "The growth plans for London Stansted Airport should indeed be based on making the best use of the existing single runway within current boundaries, but this approach should not come at the expense of stifling air freight growth or limiting the UK's logistics needs.

"While Stansted's current plans aim to increase passenger capacity to 51 million annually without expanding beyond existing boundaries or increasing flight numbers, it's crucial to consider the broader implications for air freight.

"Air freight plays a vital role in the UK economy, representing 30% of exports by value despite accounting for less than 1% of trade products by tonnage1 . As such, any growth plans should carefully balance passenger capacity with the needs of the air freight sector.

"Though Stansted's growth is expected to double its economic contribution to £2 billion annually and create up to 5,000 new on-site jobs, it is important to note that air freight already contributes £300 million and 70,000 jobs to the UK economy annually2 .

"Any growth plans should therefore aim to enhance both passenger and freight capabilities to maximise economic benefits. While making the best use of the existing runway within current boundaries is a sound starting point, Stansted's growth plans should remain flexible.

"If supporting air freight growth necessitates infrastructure development beyond existing boundaries, this should be seriously considered to ensure the airport can fully support the UK's evolving logistics needs and maintain its competitive edge in global trade."