Members of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) visited London Stansted Airport during a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about its role in driving economic growth across the East of England. They voiced support for the airport’s proposal to raise its annual passenger cap from 43 million to 51 million, without increasing the number of flights beyond existing permissions. London Stansted currently serves around 30 million passengers a year and offers more direct flights to European destinations than any other UK airport. Jonathan Stock, head of corporate affairs at London Stansted, said: "London Stansted is a key driver of economic growth, not only for the surrounding area but for the wider East of England. The airport has submitted a planning application to Uttlesford Council to raise its annual passenger cap to 51 million over the next two decades.