The work will increase annual passenger capacity from 12 million to 18 million by 2031.
The plans, including an expanded and modernised terminal building and improved surface access, are forecast to increase the airport’s annual economic impact by £283 million to £1.2 billion and create over 5,000 jobs in Luton and the surrounding areas.
Final planning consent was provided by Luton Borough Council after the Department for Communities and Local Government ruled in April that the planning application could proceed.
The project has commenced with the launch of a procurement process, under OJEU rules, for contractors to deliver the substantial works involved.
The airport’s executive chairman Clive Condie said: “This marks the start of an exciting new journey for London Luton, as we begin the process of transforming the airport to deliver a great experience for our customers, Luton and the surrounding regions.
“Our vision is for a vastly improved airport which plays a major role in providing more capacity in the London system”.
The announcement follows a number of significant developments at London Luton under new owners Aena – the world’s largest airports operator – and the Infrastructure fund of private investment company Ardian.
In March this year, the airport signed a new ten-year deal with budget airline easyJet that will more than double the number of easyJet passengers using the airport to over nine million a year.
The airport is set to see a record number of passengers go through its terminal this year, with numbers expected to outstrip the previous high of 10.3 million in 2008.
easyJet commercial director Sophie Dekkers said: “Delivering these development plans will not only enable London Luton to meet its full potential, with easyJet offering an even greater range of business and leisure destinations, but also drive economic growth and provide more jobs for Luton and the surrounding region.”
The construction work at London Luton will take place over three phases and will include:
- A larger, modernised terminal building;
- More security and immigration passenger screening lanes;
- 15 immigration passenger screening lanes;
- A total nine baggage passenger reclaim belts;
- Increased retail, catering, circulation and seating areas;
- A new two-storey pier;
- A new road system in front of the Central Terminal Area;
- A new parallel taxiway to unlock capacity for an additional six million passengers a year from the existing runway;
- New car parking facilities including a new multi-storey car park.
