Runways At Luton Airport: How Many Are There?

London Luton Airport, located in Luton, Bedfordshire, is an international airport that serves as a major base for airlines such as EasyJet, TUI Airways, and Ryanair. With a history dating back to 1938, the airport has undergone several transformations and expansions over the years. As of 2018, it is the fifth busiest airport in the UK, handling over 16.5 million passengers annually. However, despite its significant role in aviation, the airport possesses a single runway, running roughly east to west, with a length of 2,162 metres and an elevation of 526 feet.

Luton Airport's runway limitations

Luton Airport has a single runway, running roughly east to west (07/25), with a length of 2,162 metres (7,093 ft) at an elevation of 526 feet (160 m). The runway is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) rated to Category IIIB, allowing the airport to continue operating in conditions of poor visibility.

The runway faces several limitations due to its relatively short length and the geographical features of the surrounding area. At just over 7,000 feet, the runway is too short for fully loaded wide-body aircraft to take off. Additionally, there is a steep drop at both ends of the runway, making it impossible to extend. The north-east end of the runway ends with a steep cliff, which would require significant engineering work to extend. The runway also slopes downward slightly, which further complicates the possibility of extension.

Despite these limitations, Luton Airport has been used by wide-body aircraft for short and medium-haul flights. El Al, for example, has operated the 777-200 into Luton, and Monarch Airlines may have operated longer-haul flights using the 757. Silverjet also operated long-haul flights from Luton to Newark and Dubai using the 767-200. However, these flights ceased in 2008 due to the global economic crisis.

To accommodate more passengers and improve operations, Luton Airport has proposed expansion plans, including building a second terminal and extending the existing runway. However, these plans face opposition from local campaign groups due to concerns about noise pollution, traffic, and the potential impact on historic sites.

The airport's expansion plans

London Luton Airport has been the site of various expansion plans since the late 1970s, when an expansion plan was initiated to accommodate up to 5 million passengers per year. In 1997, a £80 million extension of the airport was funded by issuing a 30-year concession contract to a public-private partnership consortium, London Luton Airport Operations Limited. This included a new £40 million terminal building, which was opened in 1999.

In 2004, the airport management announced their support for government plans to expand the facilities, including a full-length runway and a new terminal. However, these plans were scrapped in 2007 due to financial reasons and opposition from local campaign groups, who cited concerns about noise pollution, traffic, and potential threats to historic sites. Instead, the Department for Transport advised the airport authority to use the existing site more efficiently, with plans to extend the runway from 2,160 metres to 3,000 metres and increase the length of the taxiway.

In 2018, a three-year redevelopment of the airport began, with a focus on increasing overall capacity to accommodate 18 million passengers by 2020. This included new shops, a new boarding pier, and additional boarding gates.

The most recent expansion plans were announced in February 2019, with London Luton Airport Limited proposing to build a second terminal to increase capacity to handle 32 million passengers per year by 2039. This expansion would continue to operate using the existing single runway. However, there are challenges to extending the runway due to the surrounding terrain, including a steep drop at both ends and the proximity to neighbouring counties. Despite these challenges, some have suggested that it may be possible to extend the runway by up to 1,500 metres at one end.

The airport's history

London Luton Airport, located 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of Luton's town centre in Bedfordshire, UK, has a long history that dates back to the early days of aviation. Here is a detailed account of the airport's history:

The Early Years:

The airport was established as Luton Municipal Airport and opened on July 16, 1938, by Kingsley Wood, the Secretary of State for Air. During World War II, the airport served as a base for the Royal Air Force's 264 Fighter Squadron. It played a crucial role in the war effort, operating de Havilland Mosquitos and jet-powered Gloster Meteor fighter aircraft. After the war, in 1952, the airport resumed commercial activities, and a new control tower was constructed to manage the increasing air traffic.

The Post-War Revival:

In the years following the war, Luton Airport experienced significant growth and transformation. British aviation company Percival Aircraft operated a factory at the airport until the early 1960s. The airport also witnessed an increase in general aviation activities, attracting several flying clubs and aviation-based businesses. However, passenger services were slower to develop, with only a handful of operators offering domestic flights within the UK.

The Rise of Executive Aviation:

During the mid-1960s, executive aviation began to take off at Luton Airport. McAlpine Aviation emerged as the primary operator of executive jet services. The airport's convenient location, runway slot availability, and ample parking space made it an attractive alternative to Heathrow and Gatwick airports for business jet operators. This marked the beginning of Luton Airport's long-standing association with executive aviation.

The Package Holiday Boom:

The real turning point for Luton Airport came with the advent of the package holiday industry in the early 1960s. The airport quickly established itself as the primary departure point for inclusive tour holidays in southern England. It became the headquarters and operating base for three major charter airlines: Autair (later Court Line Aviation), Euravia (now TUI Airways), and Monarch Airlines. By 1969, one-fifth of all holiday flights from the UK departed from Luton Airport, and by 1972, it had become the country's most profitable airport.

Setbacks and Recovery:

However, in 1974, Luton Airport faced a significant setback when Clarkson's Tours, a major package holiday operator, collapsed, taking its in-house airline Court Line Aviation with it. Undeterred, the airport's management initiated an expansion plan aimed at accommodating up to five million passengers per year by 1978. In 1985, a new international terminal building was opened by the Prince of Wales (now King Charles III).

The 1980s and 1990s:

During the 1980s, Luton Airport experienced a decline in customer numbers due to a lack of investment and the rise of the nearby London Stansted Airport. In response, Luton Borough Council invested in the development of a new international terminal, which opened in 1985. The airport also underwent various upgrades, including a new cargo centre and runway improvements. In 1987, Luton Airport became a limited company, with Luton Borough Council as the sole shareholder, ensuring independent operations.

In 1990, the airport was renamed London Luton Airport to emphasise its proximity to London. However, it suffered another setback in 1991 when Ryanair, a fast-growing airline, transferred its operations to Stansted Airport. This led to a decline in passenger numbers. Nevertheless, Luton Airport bounced back with the arrival of new operators such as Airtours, Debonair, and easyJet, which contributed to a rapid increase in passenger traffic.

The New Millennium:

In November 1999, a new £40 million terminal was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. This state-of-the-art terminal enhanced the airport's capacity and passenger experience. Throughout the early 2000s, Luton Airport continued to invest in infrastructure upgrades and facility improvements. In 2004, the airport management supported government plans for expansion, including a full-length runway and a new terminal. However, these plans faced opposition from local campaign groups due to concerns about noise pollution and potential threats to historic sites. As a result, the plans for a second runway and new terminal were scrapped in 2007.

Recent Developments:

In recent years, Luton Airport has continued to evolve and expand. In 2018, a three-year redevelopment project was initiated, costing approximately £160 million. This upgrade included new shops, a boarding pier, and additional boarding gates, increasing the airport's capacity by 50%. Additionally, the Luton DART, an automated guided people mover connecting the airport to the railway station, commenced operations in 2023. Today, London Luton Airport is the fourth busiest airport serving London and the fifth busiest in the UK, handling over 16.5 million passengers in 2018. The airport remains a vital hub for both commercial and executive aviation, serving as a base for several major airlines, including easyJet, TUI Airways, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.

The airport's location and transport links

London Luton Airport is located in Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, just 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of the town centre and 29 miles (47 km) north of Central London. The airport is easily accessible by car, train, bus, and coach, offering a range of transport options for travellers.

By car, the airport is just off the M1 motorway, which provides connections to the M25 motorway and London to the south, and Milton Keynes, the Midlands, and the north of England to the north. The airport is linked to Junction 10 of the M1 by the dual-carriageway A1081 road. There are several car parking options available on-site, including Priority Parking, Terminal Car Park 1, Mid Stay Car Park, and Long Stay Car Park, with prices and distances from the terminal varying.

For those travelling by train, Luton Airport Parkway station has served the airport since 1999. The station is on the Midland Main Line, offering direct connections to London St Pancras, with journey times as short as 22 minutes on East Midlands Railway services. Thameslink and East Midlands Railway are the primary train operators serving the airport, with services to various destinations across the country. Additionally, the Luton DART, a light rail/automated guided people mover, provides a seamless connection between the airport terminal and Luton Airport Parkway station.

Local buses also connect the airport to nearby towns and cities. The Luton to Dunstable Busway, a bus rapid transit route, offers a direct connection to Luton Town Centre, Dunstable, Houghton Regis, and Milton Keynes. Conventional bus services, such as the Arriva-operated route 100, provide connections to Hitchin and Stevenage.

Direct coach services to and from London are also available, with National Express and Green Line offering frequent services to and from Victoria Coach Station. EasyBus provides services to Liverpool Street station, and National Express offers connections to other airports, including Stansted, Heathrow, and Gatwick.

Accidents and incidents at the airport

London Luton Airport has been the site of several accidents and incidents over the years. Here is a detailed summary of some of these occurrences:

Recent Incidents

On 10 October 2023, a large fire broke out in Terminal Car Park 2, causing partial collapse and extensive damage. The fire was caused by a diesel car fire that spread to other vehicles, resulting in the suspension of all flights until 3 pm the following day. It was reported that up to 1,500 cars in the car park were beyond repair. The incident led to severe traffic delays and disruptions for tens of thousands of passengers.

During the 2022 United Kingdom heatwave, the runway at Luton Airport melted, causing flight diversions to nearby airports such as Stansted and Bristol. This incident led to significant delays for flights to and from the airport, but the issue was rectified by the evening of the same day.

Historical Accidents and Incidents

On 4 November 1949, a Hawker Tempest single-engined piston fighter being operated by Napier Aircraft crashed during a test flight at Luton Airport, resulting in the death of the test pilot.

On 23 December 1967, a Hawker Siddeley HS 125 of Court Line crashed shortly after takeoff from Luton Airport, killing both pilots. The crash occurred during a training flight when the crew simulated an engine failure, causing the aircraft to lose height rapidly and collide with the roof of a nearby factory.

On 3 March 1974, a Douglas DC-7C/F operating an Aer Turas Teo charter flight from Dublin experienced braking issues after landing on runway 08. The aircraft overran the runway, continuing over the eastern perimeter and coming to rest in soft ground beyond. Several passengers and crew were injured, and the aircraft was deemed a write-off.

On 18 April 1974, a BAC One-Eleven operating Court Line Flight 95 was involved in a ground collision with a Piper PA-23 Aztec that had entered the active runway without clearance. Unfortunately, the pilot of the Aztec was killed, and their passenger was injured. However, all 91 people on board the One-Eleven safely evacuated.

On 21 June 1974, a Boeing 727-46 operating a Dan-Air charter flight to Corfu hit the localiser antenna during takeoff, rendering the runway's ILS inoperative. The aircraft diverted to London Gatwick, where it landed safely without any injuries to its occupants. The subsequent investigation attributed the incident to a combination of factors, including takeoff weight miscalculation and outdated wind information.

On 29 March 1981, a Lockheed JetStar 1329 operating an inbound flight from Nigeria overran runway 08, coming to rest beyond the eastern perimeter fence. The accident was caused by poor visibility, and the co-pilot suffered severe spinal injuries. The commanding pilot and passengers escaped with minor injuries.

On 15 January 1994, a Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter rolled over on takeoff, with one of the rotor blades slicing into the cabin and killing the pilot. The aircraft was written off due to the extensive damage.

On 18 September 1999, three men from a Luton-based flying club lost their lives when their light aircraft crashed into a parked cargo plane during a training exercise. The Grumman AA5 light aircraft collided with an unmanned Shorts small cargo plane, resulting in a closure of the runway and disruption to flights.

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