London Stansted Airport saw a record-breaking two million passengers pass through its gates in December.

The figure marks a rise of 12.1 per cent compared to the same period the previous year.

It was the busiest December to date at the airport.

Stansted managing director Gareth Powell said: "To end the year with another strong performance in December once again demonstrates the strength and appeal of Stansted’s extensive route network, plus the great value and operational efficiency we offer all our passengers.

“To welcome more passengers than in any previous December and successfully provide a strong operational performance during such a busy period was down to the commitment, hard work and close collaboration of all colleagues and business partners across the airport.

“Stansted’s strong, sustained and positive recovery during 2023 was an excellent achievement for everyone connected with the airport, but we have now entered a period of passenger growth and an even busier 12 months ahead.

“Our full focus is on maintaining and building on this success by adding even more choice to our route network and continuing to deliver our significant investment programme to transform every stage of the airport experience as we look forward to what we expect to be an even busier year ahead of us.”

Stansted saw a total of 27.96 million passengers in 2023 - a surge of 20 per cent from 2022 levels.

This ranks as the third busiest year ever for the airport.

Passengers in December flew across the globe, with many travelling to spend the festive seasons with loved ones.

Popular winter sun locations included the Canary Islands, Spain, Turkey and Dubai, while France, Italy, Poland, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavia attracted holiday-makers seeking a winter experience.

About 96 per cent of passengers passed through security in under 15 minutes during the peak times of departure.

Stansted Airport served 28 million passengers in 2019 before the pandemic making it the third busiest airport in London and fourth busiest in the UK.

Stansted was also ranked among the 25 busiest airports  in Europe in 2018.