London Stansted Airport (STN)

London Stansted Airport (STN) is a major international airport serving London and the southeast of England. Positioned as one of the UK's primary hubs for low-cost carriers, it plays a crucial role in connecting the capital to a vast network of destinations across Europe and parts of the Middle East and North Africa. It is consistently one of the busiest airports in the country, handling millions of passengers annually.

The airport's history began during the Second World War when it opened in 1943 as RAF Stansted Mountfitchet, serving as a base for USAAF bombers. After the war, it transitioned to civilian use and began handling commercial flights in the 1960s. Its modern identity was forged with the 1991 opening of its current terminal building. Designed by architect Norman Foster, the terminal is celebrated for its innovative design, featuring a "floating" roof supported by a minimalist steel tree-like structure that creates a spacious and light-filled interior.

Located in Essex, approximately 42 miles (68 km) northeast of Central London, Stansted is well-connected to the city. The primary public transport link is the Stansted Express train service, which runs directly from the airport's integrated station to London Liverpool Street in approximately 47 minutes. National Express and other coach operators provide frequent, more economical services to various points in London and across the UK. For those driving, the airport is accessible via Junction 8 of the M11 motorway.

Operations at Stansted are dominated by international short-haul flights, with Ryanair maintaining its largest operational base here. Other significant airlines include Jet2.com and TUI Airways. The airport serves over 160 destinations and handled more than 28 million passengers in 2019. In addition to passenger traffic, it is also a significant cargo hub.

The airport operates from a single, large terminal building. After check-in and security, passengers are transported to three separate satellite departure gate areas via an automated transit system. The main departures lounge offers a wide selection of duty-free shops, high-street brands, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Pay-per-use lounges are also available for travelers seeking a quieter environment before their flight.

For a smooth journey, travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours before their flight, as security queues can be long during peak travel periods. Booking train or coach tickets in advance is often cheaper. It is important to note that Stansted is primarily a point-to-point airport, not a traditional transfer hub. Passengers with connecting flights on separate tickets will likely need to pass through immigration, collect any checked luggage, and check in for their onward flight, so a generous layover time is essential.