Luton Airport is on the path of transformation! This week, the airport has received final planning consent for their £100 million improvement programme, creating more than 5,000 jobs and helping them on their way to becoming a “leading airport serving those living in London, Luton and the surrounding regions.”
Final planning consent was delivered by Luton Borough Council and included in the approved plans are surface access improvements and an expanded, modernised terminal building, increasing passenger annual capacity from 12 to 18 million by 2031. Following the news, the procurement process has been launched for contractors to provide the substantial works required.
This latest project follows the latest developments that have been taking place at London Luton, recently taken over by Aena, the world’s largest airports operator, and the private investment company, Ardian. The signing of a new 10-year deal with easyJet in March doubled the number of easyJet passengers to more than 9 million annually, significantly adding to overall passengers travelling through the airport and set to break all records at the airport!
The construction work has been set out over 3 phases; the modernised terminal will accommodate up to 20 security passenger screening lanes, up to 8 international and one domestic passenger reclaim belt, 15 immigration passenger screening lanes, plus more catering, retail, seating and circulation areas. In addition, there will be a new configured road system to the Central Terminal Area, a new parallel taxiway, a new multi-storey car park and a 2-storey pier.
Clive Condie, Executive Chairman of London Luton Airport, said: “This marks the start of an exciting new journey for London Luton, as we begin the process of transforming the Airport to deliver a great experience for our customers, Luton and the surrounding regions. Our vision is for a vastly improved airport which plays a major role in providing more capacity in the London system.”
easyJet’s Commercial Director, Sophie Dekkers, added: “Delivering these development plans will not only enable London Luton to meet its full potential, with easyJet offering an even greater range of business and leisure destinations, but also drive economic growth and provide more jobs for Luton and the surrounding region.”
By Oliver Derek
