LONDON- Emirates (EK) has reached a major milestone at London Stansted Airport (STN), welcoming its two millionth passenger since launching flights from the UK airport in 2018.
The milestone reinforces the importance of the airport as Emirates’ third London gateway and a key link between southeast England and its Dubai hub.
The two millionth passenger, Jeanne Fostel, was travelling on Emirates flight EK66 when she received a surprise upgrade to Business Class along with Emirates Skywards Gold membership.
Eleven other passengers on the same flight also received Skywards Silver status, giving them additional benefits on future Emirates journeys.
Emirates at Stansted London
Emirates initially launched a daily London Stansted-Dubai service in 2018, but strong demand led the airline to introduce a second daily flight within a year.
The carrier now operates two daily services using its four-class Boeing 777-300ER, providing First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
The route serves passengers across London and nearby areas including Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridge and East Anglia. Around 30% of passengers travelling from Stansted remain in Dubai, while approximately 70% continue to destinations across Emirates’ wider network.
Passengers connecting through Dubai can access up to 52 destinations across Asia, Africa and Australia. India, Australia, Thailand and Mauritius are among the popular onward markets for customers using the Stansted service.
Emirates’ Investment at Stansted
Emirates has also expanded its premium offering at London Stansted as the route has matured.
The airline introduced its Premium Economy cabin at the airport in 2025 as part of its wider multi-billion-dollar aircraft retrofit programme, allowing passengers on both daily flights to access the upgraded cabin.
The airline also opened a dedicated 900-square-meter lounge at Stansted in 2024 following an investment of more than GBP 4 million.
The facility can accommodate up to 125 guests and serves eligible First Class and Business Class passengers as well as qualifying Emirates Skywards members.
The milestone comes as London Stansted continues to strengthen its position as a major international gateway for passengers from London and the East of England.
Emirates’ Cargo Supports Region
Emirates’ contribution at Stansted extends beyond passenger operations. Emirates SkyCargo also operates a weekly freighter from the airport, complementing the cargo carried in the belly hold of passenger aircraft.
The cargo operation transports around 25,000 tonnes of goods through London Stansted each year.
Pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, high-value products and industrial machinery are among the goods moving through the airport, providing businesses in the region with additional international export links.
Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates’ divisional vice president for the UK, said the two-million-passenger milestone demonstrates sustained demand for the airline’s Stansted services. He also highlighted the airport’s role in connecting leisure and business travellers with Emirates’ global network.
London Stansted Managing Director Gareth Powell said the milestone demonstrates demand for direct international connectivity from London and the East of England.
He also pointed to the Emirates lounge as an investment that has strengthened the passenger experience at the airport.
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