LUTON Airport has revealed plans for major expansion, upping capacity by over 50 per cent and creating up to 6,000 new jobs, but is expected to meet with opposition from concerned locals.
The airport’s owners, Luton Borough Council, want to increase capacity to 18million passengers annually using the existing runway, up from around 11.5million currently.
A four-week public consultation project will begin in February before a planning application is lodged in April.
Robin Harris, chair of London Luton Airport Limited, the company that owns the airport on behalf of Luton Borough Council says, “The need for additional airport capacity in the South-East of England and the enormous growth that low-cost carriers have demonstrated in recent years gives us every confidence that London Luton Airport will continue to become ever-more attractive to both existing and new airlines.”
He adds, “We will consult actively and listen carefully ahead of submitting a planning application to enhance this important people’s asset but we must be ready to embrace market demand in the future.
“We are committed to ensure the airport will continue to be a good neighbour and any growth in passenger numbers is managed in a responsible manner. Impacts on the environment, noise and road traffic flows will be fully evaluated as part of the process to ensure the airport’s development continues to be as sustainable as it has always been.”
The airport’s biggest carrier, easyJet, welcomed the plans, with commercial manager Hugh Aitken declaring it “an important step for the airport’s long-term future”. He also urged caution, adding, “We need continued focus on improving access to the airport and the speed at which passengers can transit through it.”
Further expansion to enable Luton to handle 30million passengers a year – still using the existing runway – is also on the cards but does not form part of this year’s proposals.
Meanwhile, the southeast’s need for increased flight capacity is still a hot topic in government, with London Mayor Boris Johnson continuing to push for a new airport in Thames Estuary built partially on reclaimed land. A feasibility study looks set to be announced in March.
