Thu, 03 Apr 2025

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 Luton airport expansion approved by government

Luton Rising wants to increase airport capacity to 32 million passengers by 2043.

* London Luton Airport's passenger numbers are expected to nearly double to 32 million by 2043 due to government-approved expansion plans.
* The plans involve building a new terminal, taxiways, and increasing capacity in the existing terminal from its current 18 million passengers per year.
* Despite environmental concerns raised by the Planning Inspectorate, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved the expansion plans.
* Environmental campaigners have expressed opposition, citing climate change and increased greenhouse gas emissions as major concerns.
* The airport's owners, Luton Rising, claim that the expansion will bring "significant economic, employment and social benefits" for the town of Luton.
* Up to 11,000 new jobs are expected to be created, along with an additional £1.5 billion in annual economic activity.
* The decision has been welcomed by airlines operating at the airport, including Wizz Air's managing director Marion Geoffroy.
* Campaigners have expressed disappointment and frustration that local concerns were ignored in the decision-making process.
  >>