London Stansted Airport & Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 Testing Now at Stansted Airport

Please click here for more information. 

Please note, overnight access to London Stansted Airport is changing. From January 11th until January 31st, the terminal will be closed to passengers between 17.00 and 05.00. 

The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way we live our lives, including how we travel. Please read this page carefully before you travel to find out if your journey is permitted under the latest restrictions, and so you know what to expect when you get to the airport, including the measures we have put in place to keep you and our staff safe. 

The third national lockdown means that international travel is now heavily restricted, with only those who have a legally permitted reason to travel (such as for essential work) allowed to do so. To find out more, see the latest government advice.

Where can I travel?

All travel corridors for people arriving in England are suspended.

At present, only essential travel for legally permitted reasons is allowed. Once non-essential travel for leisure is permitted again, we will update the list of where you can travel right now to include all approved destinations.

Before you travel

Please do not travel if you are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature, persistent cough, loss of taste or smell).

Check the status of your flight with your airline as some schedules are still subject to change.

Please only travel to the airport if you have a flight booked. Only those people who are flying will be allowed inside the terminal building.

Make sure you pack a suitable face covering, as this will be required at all times inside the airport.

Make sure you check the latest government advice regarding travel to your destination and any requirements for returning passengers, such as quarantine.

Getting to the airport

Government regulations currently require all users of public transport to wear face coverings. This includes the Stansted Express and all buses and coaches serving the airport, as well as inside the terminal itself and onboard the aircraft.

If you are driving to the airport, please note we are currently operating a limited number of car parks. Please check your booking and follow the signs to the correct car park.

If you are being dropped off, please use the designated set down area, and remember that only those with a flight booked should enter the terminal.

Keeping you safe inside the airport

To help reduce the risk of infection and to keep you and our colleagues safe, we have introduced a number of additional measures at the airport. These are on top of the current guidance regarding social distancing, which passengers should maintain as far as possible throughout their journey.

• You must keep your face covered throughout the terminal and will not be permitted to fly if your face is uncovered. If you do not have a suitable face covering, masks will be available to purchase inside the terminal. Our colleagues are also being provided with face masks.
• Please clean your hands regularly. Additional hand sanitising stations have been installed throughout the airport.
• We are trialling the use of temperature screening technology which you will see on the entry to security.
• We have an enhanced cleaning regime in place throughout the airport – you may see these teams in operation.
• We have installed protective screens at various locations throughout the terminal, including check-in desks and security.
• We are trialling the use of UV cleaning technology on some of our escalators to keep handrails as clean as possible.

Special assistance

If you have booked special assistance, please head to the special assistance area opposite Zone A. Our colleagues are all equipped with protective clothing and our wheelchairs are cleaned thoroughly after each use.

At security

The rules on hand luggage have not changed, so please ensure any liquids are in containers of less than 100ml (including hand gel) and placed in a clear plastic bag before entering security. Laptops and tablets should also be outside your bag, along with hair dryers and straighteners.

Please keep your face covering on as you pass through security, although you may be asked to remove it if you are selected for an additional search.

Please bear with us if things take slightly longer at security as our teams adapt to new ways of working. We’ll have you on your way as quickly as possible.

In the departure lounge

Please observe any signage regarding queueing systems which may be in place and maintain social distancing as far as possible. This includes our seating area and in the toilets.

Most of our shops and restaurants are currently closed. While we expect these to begin opening again as we move into the summer period, please note there is currently very limited availability of food and drink inside the terminal.

Getting to and from the aircraft

Where possible we are trying to park aircraft at stands which are apart from each other to help maintain social distancing.

We are also trying to limit the number of flights which require a bus journey between the terminal and the aircraft. However, where this is not possible, we are keeping bus journeys as short as possible and limiting the number of people onboard. Please remember to keep your face covered in line with government advice on using public transport.

Returning to the UK

From next week, all international arrivals must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure for entry into the UK. You will still need to self isolate if you have travelled from a country not on the Travel Corridors list. All UK arrivals must complete a Passenger Locator Form. Find out more about the government requirements here.

Please check the latest advice and ensure you have completed the necessary forms.

Please keep your face covered in the terminal except if asked to remove it by Border Force officers.

Remember to observe social distancing as far as possible when collecting your baggage and leaving the airport.

Please leave the terminal as soon as you have collected any baggage. If you are being collected, please arrange to be met at the car in the designated area.

Thank you

We know that travelling might feel strange as we get used to these new measures, but they have been introduced to keep you safe as you pass through our airport. We look forward to welcoming you back to London Stansted Airport.

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