Gatwick has yet to report its annual traffic figures for 2023, while London Luton – the UK’s fifth largest airport – welcomed 1.2 million passengers last month, slightly down on the 1.3 million in December 2019.
Commenting on the news Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s managing director, said:
“To end the year with another strong performance in December once again demonstrates the strength and appeal of Stansted’s extensive route network, plus the great value and operational efficiency we offer all our passengers.
“To welcome more passengers than in any previous December, and successfully provide a strong operational performance during such a busy period was down to the commitment, hard work and close collaboration of all colleagues and business partners across the airport.
“Stansted’s strong, sustained and positive recovery during 2023 was an excellent achievement for everyone connected with the airport, but we have now entered a period of passenger growth and an even busier 12 months ahead.
“Our full focus is on maintaining and building on this success by adding even more choice to our route network and continuing to deliver our significant investment programme to transform every stage of the airport experience as we look forward to what we expect to be an even busier year ahead of us.”
Earlier this month the International Air Transport Association (IATA) published its latest data for global air traffic, showing figures reaching 99.1 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in November.
Global air traffic reached 99 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in November