Stansted Airport saw its passenger numbers increase at the fastest pace in eight years last month, according to figures published today (July 10th). 

More than 1.85 million commuters passed through the Essex airport in June 2014, an increase of 11.7 per cent on the same month in the previous year.

The figure has also been achieved despite the fact air traffic controllers in France went on strike during the month, which resulted in the cancellation of some flights out of Stansted.

In total, the airport has handled 18.48 million passengers in the 12 months to the end of June, an annual increase of 4.2 per cent.

Stansted managing director Andrew Harrison described the results as a "fantastic achievement" and revealed the airport's management are set to begin discussions with local communities regarding the proposed sustainable development plan.

"We have planning permission for 35 million passengers a year but could provide additional capacity with relatively low impacts, high benefits and supporting the UK’s economic growth ambitions in the most cost-effective and sustainable way possible," he stated.