Stansted Airport to replace transit system with £1.1bn skylinks walkways
Work begins this summer on walkways linking the terminal to gates, decommissioning the 1991 transit system
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London Stansted Airport will begin construction this summer on new skylinks walkways, replacing its 33-year-old transit system. The walkways will directly connect the terminal to departure and arrival gates, eliminating the need for the current train-like people-mover. The airport’s transit system, introduced in 1991, will be decommissioned as part of the project.
Why the transit system is being replaced
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The existing transit system has been described as outdated and cumbersome by the airport. Rob Stewart, Stansted’s capital delivery programme director, called the skylinks a “vital component” for the airport’s transformation. The new walkways will feature travelators and dedicated space for assistance buggies, improving accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.
Decommissioning the transit system will free up space for the terminal’s £1.1bn expansion. The project aims to nearly double Stansted’s annual passenger capacity to 51 million. New seating areas, shops, bars, and restaurants will be added as part of the upgrade, positioning Stansted to become the UK’s second busiest airport.
Construction details and timeline
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Contractor Farrans will carry out the construction, with work set to begin later this summer. To minimise disruption, parts of the skylinks will be pre-assembled in an empty aircraft hangar near the airport. The completed sections will then be transported to the site at night, avoiding peak operational hours.
Glenn Gilmore, regional director at Farrans, said construction in aviation environments presents unique challenges. He emphasised the need to maintain 24/7 airport operations with minimal disruption. Farrans has experience working at other UK airports, which will help manage the project’s complexities.
What happens next
Construction of the skylinks will start this summer, with no expected disruption to flights or passenger movements. The airport has not provided a completion date for the walkways or the broader terminal expansion. Once finished, the skylinks will replace the transit system entirely, marking the end of its 33-year service.
Questions this report answers
+When will construction on the skylinks start?
Work on the skylinks will begin later this summer, as confirmed by London Stansted Airport. The project aims to minimise disruption by assembling parts off-site and transporting them at night.
+How much will the Stansted expansion cost?
The total cost of the terminal expansion is £1.1bn. This includes the new skylinks walkways, additional seating, shops, bars, and restaurants, as part of increasing passenger capacity to 51 million annually.
+What will replace the current transit system at Stansted?
The airport’s 1991 transit system will be decommissioned and replaced by skylinks walkways. These will directly connect the terminal to departure and arrival gates, featuring travelators and space for assistance buggies.
+Will the construction disrupt flights at Stansted?
No, the airport expects minimal disruption. Parts of the skylinks will be pre-assembled off-site and transported at night to avoid interfering with airport operations, according to contractor Farrans.
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