London Luton Airport Ltd (LLAL) has revealed an ambitious plan known as ‘Vision for Sustainable Growth 2020-2050’ to more than double its passenger handling capacity from 18 million to 38 million per year by 2050.

The 30-year growth plan is part of Luton Council’s £1.5bn inward investment programme, and will enable the airport to accommodate 240,000 flights annually. The airport is owned by Luton Borough Council.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The plan is LLAL’s response to the UK Government’s recent call for the country’s airports to make the best use of their existing runways.

As part of the expansion plan, LLAL has commissioned new ‘best-in-class air quality monitoring’ equipment. Construction is scheduled to commence next year on the £225m passenger transfer service Luton DART (Direct Air to Rail Transit), which will reduce journey times from Luton Airport Parkway station to the terminal to three minutes.

LLAL chairman and Luton Council portfolio holder for finance Andy Malcolm said: “London Luton Airport is a huge success story. On the back of 44 consecutive months of passenger growth, it is the fifth largest and fastest growing major airport in the UK, sustaining an estimated 33,000 jobs across the region, and contributing more than £1.5bn per year into the UK economy.

“The airport’s growth has been so fast in fact that at its current rate it is due to reach the current permitted capacity of 18 million passengers per annum in 2021.”

“The airport’s growth has been so fast in fact that at its current rate it is due to reach the current permitted capacity of 18 million passengers per annum in 2021.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“There is now a vital need to plan for London Luton Airport’s long-term future, to ensure the regional economy can enjoy the benefits of this through inclusive growth, and to help meet demand for UK aviation.”

LLAL generates significant direct income for Luton Council, contributing £25.6m for vital services and infrastructure investment in 2016-17.

Leader of Luton Council Hazel Simmons said: “LLAL is working with us as a key partner in delivering the Luton Investment Framework, and it is clear that the airport cannot stand still if it is to pull its weight for Luton and for the UK and sub-regional economies.”

LLAL said that it is committed to a full, robust and thorough approach to engaging with residents and communities. It will start consulting on the masterplan in mid-2018.

Subsequently, LLAL will submit an application for a development consent order to the national planning inspectorate, as it would be considered a nationally significant infrastructure project.