Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Luton Airport operator considers growth options

Aerospace

Luton Airport operator considers growth options

London Luton Airport Operations Ltd (LLAOL), the operator of the airport until 2031, has recently carried out a scoping exercise looking at the potential growth of the airport from 18 million to 19 million passengers per year.


Courtesy London Luton Airport

As demand for air travel in the UK continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, LLAOL is committed to exploring all options for the future of the airport in line with current government policy and the long-term priorities of the airport’s owners.

LLAOL will work with all airport partners as well as the local community to ensure any growth is sustainable and can meet this increasing demand whilst minimising the airport’s impact as much as possible. The priority will always be to balance the benefits of a successful international airport which contributes to the economy on a local and national level, with the need to be a good neighbour.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

This is an initial exercise looking at the feasibility of expansion, and no formal application has been submitted. The scoping document can be viewed here.

London Luton Airport (LLA) is one of the UK’s largest airports and carried 16.6 million passengers in 2018, an increase of 5% on 2017. The airport indirectly employs over 9,400 staff and is a key economic driver for the region.

EasyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Tui, EL AL, Blue Air, SunExpress, Iberia (Air Nostrum) and Vueling currently operate from the airport. The airport’s route network serves 150 destinations in Europe, Africa and Asia.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

The airport is operated and developed by a consortium of which the majority shareholder is  the world’s largest airport operator AENA and specialist global investment manager, AMP Capital.

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
ABT sets framework for OEM battery development

Aerospace Defence Security

ABT sets framework for OEM battery development

2 February 2026

UK battery pack manufacturer Alexander Battery Technologies (ABT), has set out a clearer framework for how OEMs can approach battery development.

AGS secures £745m refinancing package

Aerospace

AGS secures £745m refinancing package

2 February 2026

AGS Airports (AGS) - which operates Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports and collectively handles over 11 million passengers annually - has completed a £745 million refinancing package, with support from Allied Irish Bank (AIB).

Helen Hardy appointed CEO of CILT (UK)

Aerospace

Helen Hardy appointed CEO of CILT (UK)

2 February 2026

The Board of Trustees of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) is pleased to confirm the appointment of Helen Hardy as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following a successful seven-month period as Interim CEO.

Report exposes airports’ long term investment and financial viability challenge

Aerospace

Report exposes airports’ long term investment and financial viability challenge

2 February 2026

ACI EUROPE recently released a landmark report on the future viability of the airport industry, based on research conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG): 'Decoupling Financial Viability from Volume Growth: Charting the Way Forward for Europe’s Airports'.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Cranfield recognised with Gold Employer Recognition Award

Aerospace Defence

Cranfield recognised with Gold Employer Recognition Award

30 January 2026

Cranfield University has successfully revalidated its prestigious Gold Employer Recognition Scheme status, awarded by the Ministry of Defence to organisations that support the Armed Forces community and share the values in the Armed Forces Covenant.

IATA reports strong passenger and cargo demand in 2025

Aerospace

IATA reports strong passenger and cargo demand in 2025

29 January 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released 2025 full-year and December 2025 global passenger market and air cargo performance data showing record high demand.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner