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London Stansted (STN) is one of the fastest growing airports in Europe. It is home to many of the UK's low-cost airlines,
serving mostly European and Mediterranean destinations.16 million passengers choose
Stansted every
year to connect with 30 different airlines. The airport is located 35 miles (56km) to the
North-East of London.
It is a medium-sized passenger airport with a single runway,
located in the English county of Essex about thirty miles north of London. The airport is
owned and operated by BAA plc. It is the third-busiest airport in the London area after
Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport. Several budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet
maintain bases at Stansted, and Volga-Dnepr often station a large Antonov An-124 freighter
to the northwest of the main runway ready to carry outsize cargoes. FedEx is a dominant
operator of trans-Atlantic freighter services.
The airport is named after the village Stansted Mountfitchet.
The airport has started construction of a second terminal,
alongside the existing facility, and it is quite clearly needed.
In terms of growth Stansted is outstripping its bigger
brethren at Heathrow and Gatwick and the trend is expected to continue. An influx of
low-cost airlines, seeking a cheaper and more convenient alternative to London's major
airports, has contributed to the boom.
Stansted's principal drawback is its location north
east of London. It is the furthest from the city of the UK capital's three major
airports. There is a direct train service from the airport to London's Liverpool Street
station, which runs every 15 minutes on weekdays. It is handy for the financial
district but not so convenient for other locations. The train offers business class
tickets and comforts for an extra charge.
A rail transit system moves passengers between the
terminal and the boarding gates which are located in two satellite buildings. Latecomers
dashing for a flight may find it adds to their frustrations as the journey takes time.
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