London Luton Airport expansion ready for take-off

Plans to almost double the passenger capacity at London Luton Airport, from 18 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 32 million mppa, have been given the go-ahead by the Secretary of State for Transport.

The expansion plans include a new and enlarged terminal building, additional taxiways, and associated airfield infrastructure works.

Paul Kehoe CBE, Independent Chair of Luton Rising, the Luton Council company that owns London Luton Airport and associated assets for community benefit, said: “We welcome the announcement from the Secretary of State for Transport that our application for the long-term sustainable growth of our airport has been approved.

“The benefits are clear. Our scheme will deliver up to 11,000 new jobs, additional annual economic activity of up to £1.5bn, and up to an additional £13 million every year for communities and good causes.

“By introducing maximum limits for the airport’s noise, operational greenhouse gas emissions, air quality and surface access impacts, we also believe that our Green Controlled Growth framework represents the most far-reaching commitment to the sustainable operation of an airport ever put forward in the UK.

“We look forward to working with our partners to realise the significant economic, employment and social benefits for our town, the region and across the UK, as we contribute towards the Government’s vision for national growth.”