Luton Airport submits application for revision of annual passenger cap

London Luton Airport (LLA) in the UK has applied to Luton Council for a revision of its existing annual passenger cap from 18 million to 19 million.

It submitted the application after a public consultation was held in October 2020.

The airport is seeking to alter five conditions of its original planning permission, which was approved in 2014, in order to receive permission to handle an additional one million travellers.

The proposed conditions will, however, not lead to any new construction or physical changes at the airport.

Post changes, the airport stated that it would function within the current terminal infrastructure.

As part of the application, a complete environmental impact assessment has been included.

LLA CEO Alberto Martin said: “Aviation has always played a crucial role in the UK and local economy, through the jobs it supports, the direct economic contribution it makes, and its support for international trade.

“As people start to travel again and the UK’s economic recovery begins, we want LLA to be in the best position to continue to support these things. By submitting this application now, we are preparing the airport for future success and creating reassurance for the thousands of people and businesses who rely on us.”

The local planning authority will evaluate the application before giving its permission.

During the pandemic, LLA handled nearly 5.4 million passengers last year. It handled around 105,000 passengers in November 2020, indicating a drop of 90% compared to the same period in 2019.

LLA reported an 82% fall in passengers that travelled through the airport in October, as against the same period in 2019.