Roberta Aguirre
London Luton Airport (IATA: LTN, ICAO: EGGW) is an international airport located in Luton, England, situated 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). The airport is one of the largest employers in the area and is one of the major feeder airports for London and the south-east.
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What You'll Learn
London Luton Airport's location
London Luton Airport is located in Luton, England, which is situated about 30 miles (50 km) north of Central London. The airport is about 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of the town centre of Luton. Luton is in the Chiltern Hills, which means its climate tends to be 1-2 degrees Celsius cooler than surrounding towns. The River Lea flows to the south of Luton in a valley directly to the west of the airport.
London Luton Airport is one of the largest feeder airports for London and the southeast of England. It is owned by London Luton Airport Limited, which is wholly owned by Luton Borough Council, and operated by London Luton Airport Operations Limited. The airport first opened in 1938 and was used by the Royal Air Force during World War II. Commercial activity resumed in 1952, and by the 1960s, the airport was playing a key role in the development of the package holiday business.
Luton Airport is easily accessible by road and rail. It is well-connected to the M1 motorway and the A6 road. There are three railway stations in Luton: Luton, Leagrave, and Luton Airport Parkway, which is directly connected to the airport via the Luton DART system. The Luton DART system also connects the airport to the town centre. Local buses connect the airport with Luton town centre, and conventional bus and coach services connect the airport with other towns and cities.
London Luton Airport is currently undergoing an expansion plan to build a second terminal, which will increase the airport's capacity to handle 32 million passengers per year by 2039. The expansion plan has faced opposition due to concerns about its environmental impact and increased congestion.
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Transport to and from the airport
London Luton Airport is located in the county of Bedfordshire, situated about 30 miles north of central London. Being outside of London, yet offering many flights to and from the capital, the airport is a popular choice for travellers. As such, there are several transport options available for those travelling to and from the airport.
By car, the airport is accessible from the M1 motorway, with junction 10 providing a direct route to the airport terminal. For those using a GPS device, the airport's postcode is LU2 9LY. Several on-site car parking options are available, including short-stay, mid-stay, and long-stay car parks, as well as a drop-off area for quick goodbyes.
Regular bus services connect the airport to the local area and beyond. The National Express operates coach services to various destinations, including London Victoria Coach Station, Milton Keynes, and even further afield to cities like Cambridge and Oxford. Local bus services, such as the Arriva Shires & Essex route 810, provide connections to nearby towns and villages, offering an affordable and convenient travel option.
For those seeking a more direct and comfortable journey, taxi services are available at the airport. Official airport taxis can be pre-booked or hailed on arrival, offering a range of vehicle options to suit different group sizes and luggage requirements. Ride-sharing apps like Uber also operate in the area, providing another convenient and often cost-effective transport solution.
Finally, for those wishing to continue their journey by rail, the airport is connected to Luton Airport Parkway Station by a shuttle bus service. From there, travellers can catch trains to London St Pancras International in as little as 22 minutes, with regular services operating throughout the day. The station also provides connections to other destinations across the country, making it a convenient option for those continuing their journey by train.
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The airport's history
London Luton Airport, located 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of Luton's town centre in Bedfordshire, 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 (LLAOL).
The airport was first opened on 16 July 1938 as Luton Municipal Airport by the then Secretary of State for Air, Kingsley Wood. During World War II, the airport was used by the Royal Air Force, with fighters of No. 264 Squadron being based there. It also served as a manufacturing site for both civil and military aircraft. Following the war, the airport was returned to the local council, and commercial activity resumed in 1952, along with the construction of a new control tower.
During the 1960s, Luton Airport played a pivotal role in the development of the package holiday business in the UK. By 1969, a fifth of all holiday flights from the UK departed from Luton Airport, and it became the country's most profitable airport in 1972. However, the airport faced a setback in 1974 when a major package holiday operator, Clarksons, and its in-house airline Court Line ceased operations. Despite this, the airport initiated an expansion plan in 1978 to accommodate up to 5 million passengers annually.
In 1985, a new international terminal building was inaugurated by the Prince of Wales (now Charles III). The airport experienced a decline in passenger numbers during the 1980s due to competition from nearby London Stansted Airport. In 1990, the airport was renamed London Luton Airport to emphasise its proximity to the capital. During the 1990s, £30 million was invested in infrastructure upgrades, and a new £40 million terminal was opened in November 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. This terminal featured improved facilities, including 60 check-in desks and modern baggage and flight information systems.
In recent years, London Luton Airport has continued its recovery from the pandemic, serving over 16.5 million passengers in 2018 and remaining one of the busiest airports in the UK. The airport is currently working on expansion plans, including the construction of a second terminal, to increase capacity and enhance its position as a key transport hub serving London and the surrounding areas.
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Expansion plans
London Luton Airport, located 35 miles north of London in the county of Bedfordshire, has been given the go-ahead by the UK government for a major expansion. The airport, which is owned by Luton Borough Council, plans to build a second terminal, expand existing buildings, and create new taxiways, with the aim of increasing its annual passenger capacity to 32 million.
The expansion plans were approved in April 2025, with the government citing economic growth and the creation of new jobs as key reasons for their decision. The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, stated that the expansion would benefit Luton and the wider UK economy. The airport's management also highlighted the potential for up to 11,000 new jobs and an additional £1.5 billion in annual economic output.
However, the decision to approve the expansion has faced opposition due to environmental concerns. Planning officials had initially recommended blocking the development, citing potential adverse impacts on the environment. Opponents of the expansion have expressed worries about the destruction of an adjacent park, increased noise levels, and the impact on the Chilterns, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
To address these concerns, the airport has proposed a "Green Controlled-Growth" mechanism, which includes legally binding targets on noise, emissions, air quality, and surface access. The mechanism aims to ensure that the expansion is carried out in a sustainable manner and does not derail the UK's net-zero targets.
The expansion plans for London Luton Airport build upon its history as a key player in the package holiday business since the 1960s. By 1969, a fifth of all holiday flights from the UK departed from Luton Airport, and it was the most profitable airport in the country in 1972. Despite a decline in the 1980s, the airport has continued to develop and expand, with a new international terminal opening in 1985.
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The airport's impact on the local area
London Luton Airport is located in Luton, England, 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of the town centre. It is owned by London Luton Airport Limited, a company wholly owned by Luton Borough Council, and operated by London Luton Airport Operations Limited. The airport is the fourth busiest airport serving London and the fifth busiest in the UK, with over 16.5 million passengers passing through in 2018.
The airport has had a significant impact on the local area, both positive and negative. On the one hand, Luton Airport has brought economic benefits to the region, contributing an additional £1.5 billion to the economy and providing thousands of jobs for local residents. The airport also serves as a major maintenance base for several airlines, including TUI Airways and EasyJet, and plays a key role in the development of the package holiday business.
However, the airport's expansion plans have faced opposition from local residents and councils due to their potential negative impact on the environment, local communities, and transport infrastructure. The proposed expansion, which includes building a second terminal, is expected to increase noise and air pollution, affecting the health and well-being of nearby residents. It would also result in the loss of valuable green spaces and wildlife habitats, such as Wigmore Valley Park, and worsen existing traffic congestion on local roads.
Furthermore, the expansion contradicts Luton Borough Council's Climate Emergency declaration, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2026 or sooner and reach 'net zero' by 2040. Despite these concerns, the airport continues to play a significant role in the local area, providing convenient travel options and contributing to the region's economy.
Overall, London Luton Airport's impact on the local area has been mixed. While it has brought economic benefits and convenient travel options, the airport's expansion plans have raised concerns about their environmental, social, and infrastructural impacts. Balancing the benefits of expansion with the need to protect the local community and environment remains a key challenge for the airport's management and local stakeholders.
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Frequently asked questions
Luton Airport is in the county of Bedfordshire.
Luton Airport is approximately 30 miles (50 km) north of central London.
You can get to Luton Airport from London St Pancras International in 32 minutes via the Luton Airport Express service.
Luton Airport has a range of shops, including a Duty-Free section, as well as excellent facilities to ensure your arrival is smooth and stress-free.
Yes, there are great value deals for car rentals at Luton Airport.
