The upcoming Easter period is set to be a record-breaker for Stansted Airport, with travel enthusiasts from all corners of the globe flocking to various destinations.
With Good Friday earmarked as the peak day for passenger flow, travellers are advised to plan ahead to ensure a seamless journey.
Easter Travel Projections
The upcoming Easter weekend is projected to witness an unprecedented influx of travellers at Stansted Airport, with over 350,000 people expected over the four-day holiday. Good Friday is anticipated to be the busiest day, with an estimated 86,000 passengers, comprising of 46,000 departures and 40,000 arrivals. This marks a significant surge in travel activity at the airport, which aligns with the increase in leisure travel demand post-pandemic.
Top Destinations and Preferences
As the Easter holiday approaches, sun-seeking travellers are primarily heading to the Canary Islands, Turkey, and mainland Spain. These destinations have surged in popularity, drawing tourists who yearn for warm climates.
In contrast, ski enthusiasts are making their way to France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Scandinavia, taking advantage of the remaining snow. The diverse travel preferences are a testament to the varied interests of modern-day travellers.
Comparative Insights with Gatwick
While Stansted prepares for its busiest day on Good Friday, Gatwick anticipates its peak on Easter Sunday.
Gatwick’s top short-haul destinations include Barcelona, Malaga, and Rome, whereas Dubai, Orlando, and New York dominate the long-haul preferences. Such insights highlight the distinct travel patterns and choices among passengers flying out from different airports.
Gatwick’s top short-haul destinations include Barcelona, Malaga, and Rome, whereas Dubai, Orlando, and New York dominate the long-haul preferences. Such insights highlight the distinct travel patterns and choices among passengers flying out from different airports.
Operational Insights from Stansted’s COO
Jonathan Fowler, Stansted’s Chief Operating Officer, assured that the airport’s staff are prepared to manage the expected influx. ‘Over the Easter holiday period, 1.4 million passengers will pass through the airport and our staff will be working round the clock to ensure the best possible experience,’ he stated.
Despite the challenges posed by recent wet weather in the UK, many passengers are seizing the opportunity to travel. Fowler highlighted, ‘The recent wet weather has clearly encouraged many to take advantage of the choice, value and simplicity of using London Stansted to catch some much-needed sunshine, visit one of Europe’s great cities or head to the Alps for some end of season skiing.’
Security and Passenger Advice
To enhance passenger experience, Stansted is implementing new security screening equipment. The rollout is currently in progress, with several new lanes already operational.
Jonathan Fowler urged travellers to adhere to existing hand luggage regulations, emphasizing, ‘We urge all passengers travelling through to follow all the existing hand luggage rules, which includes the limits on liquids, gels and pastes, which must be placed in a clear plastic bag in containers under 100ml and removing large electrical items, such as laptops, from hand luggage.’
Being prepared for security checks will avoid unnecessary delays, thereby streamlining the passenger journey.
Expanding Route Networks
Stansted has announced its ambitious summer schedule expansion plans, covering more than 190 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
New routes include Royal Jordanian’s service to Amman, British Airways flights to Nice, Florence, and Ibiza, alongside new services from Ryanair, Jet2.com, and SunExpress.
This network extension caters to the increasing demand for international travel post-pandemic, offering passengers a plethora of new choices and opportunities to explore diverse regions.
Conclusion
Stansted Airport is poised to efficiently manage its busiest Easter period, demonstrating operational resilience and adaptability. New routes and enhanced security measures further emphasise the airport’s commitment to passenger satisfaction.
Maintaining a focus on passenger experience and safety continues to be at the forefront of Stansted’s operational strategies.
For Stansted, this Easter signals not just a busy travel period, but a chance to showcase their capabilities in managing high passenger volumes.
Adhering to expert guidance on travel and security can make all the difference for those passing through the airport.
