Image: London Stansted Airport

London Stansted Airport is gearing up for the biggest weekend of the year so far with thousands of passengers expected to jet off from the UK’s number one gateway to Europe.

The airport expects 350,000 people to travel through the airport between Friday, April 7, and Monday, April 10 with Good Friday predicted to be the busiest with almost 90,000 passengers.

Some of the most popular sun destinations from the airport over the weekend include the Canary Islands, Turkey, Spain, and Dubai, while end of season skiers will be making their way to France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Scandinavia.

Ahead of the getaway, the airport is encouraging passengers to take some simple steps to help their journey through the terminal go as smoothly as possible.

Jonathan Fowler, London Stansted ‘s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Our staff will work around the clock to provide the best service possible to the 350,000 passengers who will pass through during the Easter weekend.

“For a stress-free and enjoyable start to their holiday, we recommend customers prepare for security checks before leaving home to avoid any unnecessary delays.

“It’s important to remember that liquids in hand luggage are still restricted, so they must be under 100ml and fit in a single clear, resealable bag.

“All electronic items, including laptops and iPads, must be removed from hand luggage and laid flat in trays as soon as passengers enter the security search area.

“For check-in or bag drop, passengers should follow the airline’s instructions for arrival times, and we also suggest they check in advance for any public transport travel alterations.”

The airport has also started work on a number of upgrades to improve the passenger experience.

These upgrades include new attractive and comfortable seating in the arrivals area and the refurbishment of retail and food and beverage outlets.

Furthermore, Stansted is trialling the next generation of security equipment that will allow passengers to leave liquids and large electrical items in their hand luggage while passing through security. Mr Fowler continued:

“To enhance the customer experience, we’re installing new seating with USB and USC charging points in the arrivals area, increasing seating capacity from 160 to 250.

“There is also a new Leon restaurant as well as a revamped Burger King in the area. Several other outlets, including Boots, Marks and Spencer and Costa, will also undergo refurbishment before the summer getaway.

“We are also currently conducting passenger trials of new computer tomography (CT) security equipment to comply with regulatory changes requiring all UK airports to replace current X-ray machines and increase body scanners by 2024.

“The feedback we have received so far has been extremely positive, from passengers and colleagues alike, and we aim to rollout more new security lanes later this year.

“Passengers using the regular security lanes in the main search area will not be affected by the trial, which is taking place in a dedicated security building on the terminal forecourt.

“Those travelling through Stansted should continue to follow all existing rules, ensuring they do not carry any liquids, gels, pastes, or creams of more than 100ml in their hand luggage.”

Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter