London Luton Airport expansion approved, bringing jobs, economic growth, and sustainability commitments

London Luton Airport (LLA) has received Government approval to expand its annual passenger capacity from 19 million to 32 million, unlocking £1.5 billion in economic benefits per year and creating up to 11,000 new jobs. The growth plan, led by airport owners Luton Rising, includes a legally binding Green Controlled Growth framework to manage noise, carbon emissions, air quality, and surface access.

Details on London Luton Airport’s expansion

LLA’s operator, London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL)—jointly owned by Aena and InfraBridge—welcomed the decision. Alberto Martin, CEO of LLA, described it as a “generational opportunity to transform the town and our region’s economy.” He emphasised the need to finalise a commercial agreement with Luton Council to ensure the expansion proceeds swiftly.

Since 2013, LLA has undergone rapid growth, with passenger numbers nearly doubling. Over this period, LLAOL has contributed £0.5 billion in concession fees to Luton Rising, funding local community projects and frontline services. The expansion will further enhance Luton Council’s ability to invest in public services.

Rodrigo Marabini Ruiz, Director of International Subsidiaries at Aena, noted that increasing capacity by 70% sustainably requires “specialist skills and expertise,” which Aena, as the world’s largest airport operator, is ready to provide. Graeme Ferguson, Head of Airports at InfraBridge, highlighted the public-private partnership’s role in delivering “exceptional outcomes” for the airport, airlines, and the local community.

Paul Kehoe, Chair of Luton Rising, described the approval as a pivotal moment: “At a new capacity of 32 million passengers per year, our scheme will deliver up to 11,000 new jobs and an additional £13m annually for community projects and good causes.” He emphasised that the Green Controlled Growth framework represents the UK’s most extensive commitment to sustainable airport operations.

Rachel Hopkins, MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire, welcomed the decision: “The growth of London Luton Airport will boost Luton’s economy by creating jobs, enhancing skills, and supporting our charitable sector.” She positioned the expansion as an example of how a Labour Government would stimulate economic growth while remaining environmentally responsible.

Sustainability & Infrastructure

LLA is one of the UK’s busiest airports, handling 16.7 million passengers in 2024. It operates flights with airlines including easyJet, Wizz Air, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI, FlyOne, Sun Express, and El Al.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, LLA achieved Level 4 in the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme in 2023, demonstrating alignment with global climate goals. The airport has also ranked as a sector leader in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) for three consecutive years.

Connectivity improvements, such as the Luton Airport Express, allow passengers to reach LLA from central London in 30 minutes, with the DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit) ensuring a seamless transfer from Luton Airport Parkway station to the terminal in under four minutes.

LLA was named European Airport of the Year (10-25 million passengers) by ACI EUROPE in 2023, reflecting its strong performance, sustainability efforts, and passenger experience.

Business Travel Association comment 

The Business Travel Association’s (BTA) members of travel management companies (TMCs) account for 90% of all managed travel in the UK.

Clive Wratten, CEO of BTA, said:

“While Luton Airport has traditionally served a predominantly leisure market, the transport secretary’s decision to approve its expansion is welcome news for business travellers too. Growing capacity at any UK airport is a positive step towards improving connectivity, competition, and choice. This is especially true for those living and working in large business hubs such as Milton Keynes, North West London, Oxford and Cambridge.

These infrastructure upgrades are not just essential for driving the UK’s economic growth, but critical for creating jobs, and delivering meaningful opportunities for businesses and people travelling for work.

Despite this, we yet again urge the Government to support regional airports, ensuring all areas of the UK are interconnected and able to thrive and contribute to our collective economic prosperity.”

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