The secretary of state for transport Chris Grayling has officially opened London Luton Airport’s newly-upgraded terminal after a three-year, £160m transformation project.
In what was the biggest redevelopment in its 80-year history, the council-owned airport saw improvements being made in the terminal and to the ways in which people get to and from the airport.
It is estimated that London Luton Airport (LLA) will be able to increase its annual capacity by 50% over the next year. By 2020, it will be able to take 18 million passengers.
‘Luton’s investment firmly puts passengers at the heart of development and will improve the experience of those using the airport for business or holidays,’ said Mr Grayling.
‘Supporting thriving airports like Luton will form a part of the Government’s Aviation 2050 consultation, ensuring the benefits of transformation are felt across the local area.’
‘2018 has been a milestone year for LLA,’ said Nick Barton, CEO of London Luton Airport.
‘We celebrated our 80th anniversary in the summer and now we have completed our three-year transformation which brings a host of benefits to passengers.
‘This is a new era for LLA. We are the fastest-growing major London airport and are now in a position to play an increasingly important role in the UK’s aviation network.’
Cllr Hazel Simmons, leader of Luton Council, said: ‘The operator’s successful transformation programme is another pivotal moment in London Luton Airport’s development.
‘Together with our own investment in the £225m Luton DART, a world-class passenger experience is being created and setting the bar for how our own airport company wants to take the airport’s growth forward in a responsible way and ensure that everyone can benefit from the economic and social opportunities this will create.’
