
London Luton Airport (IATA: LTN, ICAO: EGGW) is an international airport located in Luton, England, just 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of the town centre. The airport is owned by London Luton Airport Limited, a company wholly owned by Luton Borough Council, and operated by London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL). Luton Airport is one of the largest employers in the area and is one of the major feeder airports for London and the south-east.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name | London Luton Airport |
Location | Luton, England |
Distance from town centre | 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of the town centre |
Owner | London Luton Airport Limited |
Operator | London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL) |
Opening date | 16 July 1938 |
Railway stations | Luton, Leagrave, Luton Airport Parkway |
Bus services | Arriva Shires & Essex, Grant Palmer, Centrebus, National Express, Green Line |
Shuttle bus | Luton DART |
Number of destinations | Over 145 |
Aircraft movements | 141,500 (2019) |
Commercial passenger/cargo operations | 113,100 (2019) |
Percentage of domestic flights | 8% |
Scheduled service operators | easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air |
Business and private operators | Harrods, Signature Flight Support |
What You'll Learn
Luton Airport is in Bedfordshire, England
Luton Airport, officially known as London Luton Airport (IATA: LTN, ICAO: EGGW), is located in Luton, Bedfordshire, England. Situated just 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of Luton's town centre, the airport is approximately 30 miles (50 km) north of London's centre.
Luton Airport is one of the major feeder airports for London and the south-east of England. It is owned by London Luton Airport Limited, a company wholly owned by Luton Borough Council, and operated by London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL). Luton Airport is easily accessible by rail, road, and bus, with excellent connections to London and other parts of the country.
The airport has a rich history, opening its doors on July 16, 1938. During World War II, it was used by the Royal Air Force. Commercial activity resumed in 1952, and by the 1960s, it played a pivotal role in the package holiday business, with a fifth of all holiday flights from the UK departing from Luton. The airport has continued to expand over the years, with plans for a second terminal announced in 2019 to increase capacity to handle 32 million passengers annually by 2039.
Luton Airport is well-connected to the surrounding area. The Luton DART, a light metro system, connects the airport to Luton Airport Parkway railway station, providing fast and frequent services to London St Pancras International in just 32 minutes. Additionally, a network of bus and coach services, including National Express and Green Line, offers convenient connections to central London locations and other towns and cities.
With over 145 destinations, Luton Airport is a bustling hub for travellers, offering a range of facilities, including shops, duty-free, and excellent transport options for a smooth and stress-free journey.
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It is one of the UK's major airports
London Luton Airport (IATA: LTN, ICAO: EGGW) is one of the UK's major airports. It is located in Luton, England, just 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of the town centre. Luton Airport is the fourth-busiest airport serving London and the fifth-busiest in the entire United Kingdom. It is also the fourth-closest to Central London, after Gatwick, Heathrow, and City airports. In 2018, over 16.5 million passengers passed through the airport, a record total for Luton, making it the fifth busiest airport in the UK that year.
Luton Airport has a long history, dating back to its opening in 1938. During World War II, the airport was used by the Royal Air Force. Commercial activity resumed in 1952, and by the 1960s, it played a crucial role in the development of the package holiday business. In 1969, a fifth of all holiday flights from the UK departed from Luton Airport, and in 1972, it was the most profitable airport in the country. Despite setbacks in the 1970s and 1980s, Luton Airport continued to expand and improve its facilities.
The airport has been featured in various media, including television documentaries such as "Airline" (1998) and "Luton Airport" (2005). It has also been mentioned in popular culture, with references in television shows like "One Foot in the Grave" and "Monty Python's Flying Circus."
Luton Airport offers convenient travel options, with regular rail and coach services connecting it to London and beyond. The Luton DART, an automated people mover transit system, provides easy access to the airport from Luton Airport Parkway railway station. The airport also boasts over 145 destinations, making it a popular choice for travellers.
In recent years, Luton Airport has undergone significant redevelopment, with investments in infrastructure and facilities. The airport management is committed to making travel easy and accessible, offering a range of excellent facilities for passengers. With its continuous growth and development, Luton Airport remains a significant hub for air travel in the United Kingdom.
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The airport is owned by Luton Borough Council
London Luton Airport is owned by London Luton Airport Limited, a company wholly owned by Luton Borough Council. Luton Borough Council has been a unitary authority since 1997, performing all local government functions in the borough. Luton Airport is located in Luton, England, just 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of the town centre. It is one of the major feeder airports for London and the southeast, serving as the fourth busiest airport in the London area. The airport has been in operation since 1938 and has played a significant role in the development of the package holiday business in the UK.
Luton Borough Council's ownership of the airport has had its ups and downs. In the 1960s and 1970s, the airport thrived, with a fifth of all holiday flights from the UK departing from Luton by 1969. However, the airport experienced a decline in the 1980s due to a lack of reinvestment, while nearby London Stansted Airport grew in popularity. Despite this setback, the council remained committed to the airport's development, and in 1985, the then Prince of Wales (now Charles III) inaugurated a new international terminal building.
Luton Airport is easily accessible by various means of transportation. It is well-connected by road, with the M1 motorway serving the town from junctions 10 and 11 and the A6 providing convenient access. The airport also has excellent rail connections, with three railway stations in the town: Luton, Leagrave, and Luton Airport Parkway. The Luton DART, a light metro people mover system, connects the airport to Luton Airport Parkway station, offering a seamless transfer for passengers. Additionally, a network of bus services, including Arriva Shires & Essex, Grant Palmer, and Centrebus, serves the urban area of Luton and Dunstable, providing convenient travel options for locals and visitors alike.
The council's ownership of the airport has brought significant benefits to the local economy. Luton Airport is now one of the largest employers in the area, contributing to the economic growth and development of the region. The airport's expansion plans, such as the proposed second terminal, aim to increase its capacity to handle up to 32 million passengers per year by 2039. However, these expansion plans have also raised concerns about their potential impact on nearby green spaces, including Wigmore Valley Park, a designated County Wildlife Site.
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It is 1.7 miles from Luton town centre
London Luton Airport is located in Luton, England, just 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of the town centre. The airport is owned by London Luton Airport Limited, a company wholly owned by Luton Borough Council, and operated by London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL). Luton is situated less than 30 miles (50 km) north of the centre of London, providing good access to the city and other parts of the country via major roads and railways.
The airport's proximity to Luton town centre makes it a convenient option for travellers in the area. With three railway stations in Luton, including Luton Airport Parkway, and regular rail services, travellers can easily reach the airport from various locations. The Luton DART, a light metro system, further enhances connectivity by directly linking the airport to Luton Airport Parkway station.
In addition to its rail connections, London Luton Airport is easily accessible by road. It is located near major roads such as the M1 and the A6, providing convenient access for those travelling by car. The airport offers a range of parking options, including priority parking, terminal car parks, and long-stay car parks with a free shuttle bus service.
London Luton Airport also has a network of bus services, including local buses that connect the airport to Luton town centre. These bus services extend beyond the urban area of Luton and Dunstable, providing connections to other towns and cities in the region. The airport also has a taxi network, providing another convenient option for travellers.
London Luton Airport's location, just 1.7 miles from Luton town centre, along with its excellent road and rail connections, makes it a convenient and accessible hub for travellers in the region. With its range of facilities and transport options, the airport caters to the needs of travellers and ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.
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Luton DART connects the airport to Luton Airport Parkway station
London Luton Airport (IATA: LTN, ICAO: EGGW) is an international airport located in Luton, England, situated about 2.7 km east of the town centre. It is the fourth-busiest airport serving London. The airport is owned by London Luton Airport Limited, a company wholly owned by Luton Borough Council, and operated by London Luton Airport Operations Limited.
Luton DART is a light rail/automated guided people mover connection between the airport and Luton Airport Parkway station. The DART line begins at Luton DART Parkway, a purpose-built station adjoining Luton Airport Parkway railway station. The Luton DART link was approved by Luton Borough Council in June 2017, and construction work commenced in April 2018. The project involved the construction of bridges and tunnels, along with two stations in phase 1. The first station was built at Bartlett Square in Napier Park on the east side of Luton Airport Parkway station, and the final station at the airport. The DART platforms are located on a new upper level above the current station and are connected via a footbridge and concourse, complete with lifts and escalators.
The 2.1-kilometre journey from Luton Airport Parkway to the airport terminal takes just 4 minutes by Luton DART, making it a quick and convenient option for travellers. The introduction of the Luton DART has reduced the overall journey time between London St Pancras and the airport terminal to less than 30 minutes. Previously, this journey would have taken 32 minutes.
The Luton DART has improved the accessibility and convenience of travelling to and from London Luton Airport. With regular train services connecting Luton Airport Parkway to London St Pancras and other destinations, passengers can now easily reach the airport by rail. The Luton DART provides a seamless connection between the airport terminal and the railway station, enhancing the overall travel experience for those flying from London Luton Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Luton Airport is in the county of Bedfordshire.
Luton Airport is less than 30 miles (50 km) north of the centre of London.
The Luton DART light metro system connects the airport to Luton Airport Parkway railway station. From there, you can take a Thameslink or East Midlands Railway service to London St Pancras International in 32 minutes.
Luton Airport has a range of facilities, including shops, duty-free, and food and drink options. There are also car hire services, car parking, and a shuttle bus service.
Nearby attractions include Someries Castle, a scheduled monument, and Luton Hoo Grade II* Listed Registered Park and Garden.