Celebrating Stansted Airport’s Birthday – And LPL’s Role in Its Continued Growth

This month Stansted Airport Turned 81 years old. On 7th August, London Stansted Airport celebrated another year of progress and expansion, a moment to reflect on its fascinating evolution and the partnerships helping to shape its future.

From Wartime Runway to World-Class Gateway

Originally constructed by the US Air Force in 1942, Stansted began as a key military base supporting allied forces during World War II. Its transformation into a commercial airport began in earnest in the post-war years, with civil flights commencing in 1966 under the British Airports Authority. But the most significant step came with the opening of the award-winning Norman Foster-designed terminal in 1991, boosting capacity and modernising operations.

Since 2013, under the ownership of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Stansted has undergone a sustained programme of development, becoming a vital transport hub for the South East, serving over 200 destinations and nearly 30 million passengers a year.

Click the link for more history of Stansted Airport

LPL & Stansted: A Partnership Built on Trust

LPL Construction Services is proud to play a part in this success story. As a trusted delivery partner for MAG, we’ve supported Stansted Airport on a range of critical infrastructure upgrades and terminal enhancements, always delivered with minimal disruption to passengers or operations.

Here’s a closer look at two standout projects:

Zone C Seating Fit-Out

Delivering comfort and efficiency in the heart of the terminal As part of a wider passenger experience enhancement strategy, LPL was appointed to refurbish and refit the Zone C seating area within the departure lounge. This wasn’t just a cosmetic upgrade, it was a carefully coordinated improvement designed to enhance both functionality and aesthetics for thousands of passengers each day.

Key elements of the work included:

• Installation of modern seating systems and bespoke joinery
• Upgraded floor finishes and ambient lighting to elevate the passenger experience
• Integration with live services and infrastructure, requiring precise planning and phased handovers
• Stakeholder coordination to ensure compliance with airport and DfT regulations

All works were delivered in a live terminal environment, with zero disruption to operations. Our team worked night shifts and staged sequencing to ensure airport operations and passenger movements were maintained throughout.

Forecourt Security Build

A fast-track, design-and-build solution delivered under pressure In response to evolving security requirements, LPL was tasked with delivering a bespoke, elevated security screening facility situated above the terminal forecourt. This project demanded technical expertise, agile design thinking, and flawless stakeholder engagement, especially given the incredibly tight programme.

Highlights included:

• Completion of the entire project in just 8½ weeks from mobilisation to handover
• Construction above a live public thoroughfare, coordinated with airside operations, terminal access, and 24/7 passenger footfall
• Design and installation of temporary structural steelwork, screening booths, security systems, and full M&E services
• Fire-rated partitions, airport-compliant finishes, and bespoke elements manufactured and installed to DfT standards

This project showcased LPL’s ability to deliver fast-paced, high-stakes construction in complex, sensitive environments. We were proud to hand over the facility fully operational and ready to support security operations during one of the airport’s busiest seasons.

Looking Ahead

As Stansted continues to grow, LPL is committed to supporting its future through smart, sustainable construction. From bespoke terminal refurbishments to enabling works and infrastructure improvements, our teams are embedded in the airport’s development. We look forward to many more years of partnership with Manchester Airports Group, delivering world-class facilities and infrastructure that keep Stansted running smoothly and safely.

Explore more of our aviation sector experience at: https://lplconstruction.com/industry/aviation/