Five things you didn’t know about Stansted Airport
Around 19 million passengers use Stansted Airport every year, but there is a lot about the transport hub’s history that the vast majority of travellers do not know.
Rather than wondering about its construction and role in the UK’s past, most people will naturally be focused on getting to their final destination when stepping off their transfer bus. Stansted celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011 - here are some highlights from its past.
One
The current Stansted Airport is built on the site of a terminal constructed in 1942 that was used by bombers in 1942 to lead more than 600 aircraft over to France. It was not until 1966 that the British Airports Authority took control of the facility and more than a decade later before significant expansion plans were officially proposed.
Two
Despite serving more than 140 destinations and 20 airlines, the new airport has just one terminal and one runway. Construction on the current £400 million airport started in 1986 and the facility was officially opened by the Queen in 1991.
Planning applications for a second terminal and runway were submitted in 2008, scheduled to open in 2015, but the submission faced a public enquiry in 2009 and was ultimately withdrawn in 2010.
Three
Stansted is the designated airport for hijackers to land if they demand to be allowed to set down their aircraft in the UK. The government chose the location because its design means a plane can land well away from terminal buildings and other travellers.
Four
It is the only London airport to fine airlines when their aircraft persistently go off track and cause noise pollution problems for residents close to flight paths. This is part of its long-term noise strategy plan, which has seen noise levels measured every year since 1993 and allowed Stansted to achieve environmental accreditation for its efforts.
Five
The airport has featured in a number of television series and films. Cinema hits ‘Get Him to the Greek’, ‘Last Chance Harvey’ and ‘United 93′ involved scenes shot at the facility, while both series of ‘Mile High’ were filmed there.