Airport News
Last month it was given final planning consent for a £100 million (€120 million) development of the airport, which will increase annual passenger capacity from 12 million to 18 million per year by 2031.
With all necessary planning processes cleared, including the deadline for applications for a Judicial Review the airport will now press ahead with the development, and has already launched an extensive procurement process to select contractors and construction.
The plans, include an expanded and modernised terminal building, improved surface access and an upgraded passenger experience, and will create over 5,000 new jobs.
The construction work will include up to 20 security passenger screening lanes; 15 immigration passenger screening lanes; up to eight international and one domestic passenger reclaim belts; increased retail, catering, circulation and seating areas; a new two-storey pier; and a newly configured road system in front of the Central Terminal Area.
Other projects are a new parallel taxiway to unlock capacity for an additional six million passengers a year from the existing runway; and new car parking facilities including a new multi-storey car park.
London Luton handled record numbers of in June and July as it experienced its busiest summer period on record, with over one million passengers flying to over 100 destinations, including 14 new routes added so far this year.
And it expects the upward trend in passenger numbers is set to continue, with numbers for 2014 predicted to be the highest in its 76-year history.
Clive Condie, executive chairman of London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL), explains: “Demand from leisure and business passengers was remarkable in June and July and we expect to announce record passenger numbers for August too.
“Our exciting redevelopment plan, together with the support of our owners and our airline and business partners, means we are on track to deliver a local airport of which Luton and the region can be proud.”
Last year, London Luton handled 9.7 million passengers, under new owners Aena.
