Stansted airport History

Stansted Airport began life as a USAF airfield in 1942 until the withdrawal of the Americans in 1945. Between 1945 and 1966 it fulfilled many roles both for the RAF and USAF, including in the late 1940's being used for the housing of prisoners of war.

In 1966 the Stansted Airport was placed under BAA's control and gave an option to operators that wished to avoid the higher costs that were associated with operating from Gatwick and Heathrow. It was due to this that Stansted became known as London's third major airport.

In 1969 a new terminal was built which was extended in 1972 and in 1984 permission was granted for further development of Stansted Airport both to the runway and the terminal building. Construction began on the new terminal building in 1988 which was completed in 1991.