London’s Luton Airport could double annual passenger numbers
to a potential 32 million by 2043 following the UK government’s green light for
its expansion plans.
The capital’s fourth-largest airport has been granted
permission by transport secretary Heidi Alexander to expand its perimeter and add
a new terminal and taxiways, with the development's economic impact
seemingly outweighing environmental concerns. The decision to approve or decline the airport's plans has been
postponed three times previously.
Airport authorities said the development will generate an
additional £1.5 billion for the economy annually, create 11,000 new jobs, and
increase the choice of airlines and destinations for passengers. EasyJet and
Ryanair currently operate the most services from the airport.
Paul Kehoe, chair of airport owners
consortium Luton Rising, said: “By introducing maximum limits
for the airport’s noise, operational greenhouse gas emissions, air quality and
surface access impacts, we believe that our Green Controlled Growth framework
represents the most far-reaching commitment to the sustainable operation of an
airport ever put forward in the UK.”
Clive Wratten, CEO of the UK-based Business Travel Association, commented that while Luton Airport has traditionall served a predominantly leisure market, the transport secretary’s decision to approve its expansion is “welcome news for business travellers too”.
He continued: “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.”
The government's approval for expansion at London Luton follows similar decisions in February to support London Gatwick's plans to bring its second runway into routine operation, and in January to support the addition of a third runway at London Heathrow.
“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,” added Wratten.
“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.”