As the UK marks Local and Community History Month this May, London Stansted is celebrating its rich and diverse heritage, from its vital role in the Second World War to its position today as one of the UK’s busiest international airports and a proud part of the local community.
Originally opened in 1943 as a wartime airfield, RAF Stansted Mountfitchet played a crucial role in the Allied war effort.
Used by the United States Army Air Force and later renamed George Washington Field, it served as a base for bomber missions, troop transport, and was instrumental in the D-Day operations.
After the war, Stansted transitioned to civilian use and gradually evolved into a key player in British aviation.
Over the years, it has hosted the Space Shuttle, become home to some of the world’s most successful airlines, and welcomed many prominent global figures - including U.S. Presidents arriving on Air Force One on seven occasions.
Stansted has also served as a backdrop for Hollywood films, popular TV shows, and music videos, with appearances in James Bond, Bridget Jones, and Only Fools and Horses.
In 1991, Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the airport’s iconic terminal, designed by Lord Foster, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter of growth and ambition.
Today, London Stansted connects nearly 30 million passengers a year to more than 200 destinations across Europe and beyond.
But the airport hasn’t forgotten its roots and visitors can still find reminders of its past, from wartime memorials in the terminal to historical exhibits in the Aerozone Education Centre.
Looking ahead, London Stansted is embarking on a £1.1 billion transformation programme to upgrade and expand its facilities, including a major extension to the terminal building.
As part of its long-term sustainable growth plans, the airport aims to grow to 51 million passengers a year while continuing to operate with a single runway.
Gareth Powell, Managing Director at London Stansted, said: “As we look forward to an exciting future, it’s important we also take a moment to reflect on where we’ve come from. Stansted has a proud and unique history that’s closely tied to the local area, and we’re delighted to celebrate that during Local History Month.”
To mark Local and Community History Month, the airport is sharing rarely seen archive photos from its wartime and post-war past across its social media channels as part of its Throwback Thursday series.