Luton airport has welcomed the government’s approval of its planning application to increase its annual passenger cap from 18 million to 19 million passengers.
The application, first submitted to the local authority in January 2021, was approved by the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing, following a local public inquiry last autumn.
The airport said the plan “makes best use of the current infrastructure without the need for additional construction” and “ensures the continued recovery of the airport following the pandemic”.
It also “secures the significant positive economic and employment benefits the airport brings to the local region”, said the airport in a statement.
Alberto Martin, chief executive of Luton airport, said: “We are delighted that the two Secretaries of State have reached their long-awaited decision, which now ensures London Luton Airport is well positioned to secure its economic future and continue to deliver for our passengers and our local communities.
“LLA is a vital economic driver for the area and the growth of the airport is directly linked to the growth of the local economy.
“We are excited that this positive decision on our plan for responsible and sustainable growth will provide the platform for the airport’s future success, creating significant employment and economic benefits to the local region.
“This plan is consistent with our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality for our own operations by 2026 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.”
News of the decision comes two days after the airport’s operations were disrupted by a fire in a multi-storey car park at the hub.
The Terminal Car Park 2 remains closed and travellers are warned that travelling to the airport may take longer than usual.
Picture: CraigHastings/Shutterstock.com
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