Luton airport has posted a 19.2 per cent increase in passenger numbers for September compared to the same period last year.
The airport saw 1.2 million passengers pass through in September marking 18 months of consecutive growth.
The record passenger numbers come as Luton is investing £100 million to deal with growing demand. Last month saw the redevelopment move forward as the first construction contractor, Whitemountain, was announced and the enlarged security area opened.
The development will see the existing approach road to the terminal building turned into a dual carriageway, the redevelopment of the short stay car parks and on-airport road network, the remodelling of the set-down area and the repositioning of the coach terminal. The security area has been relocated to the ground floor and expanded.
Luton airport said the investment will increase the airport’s annual capacity from 12 million to 18 million by 2026. It will also deliver major upgrades to the airport’s facilities, including:
- A complete redesign of the terminal to create a “quick, efficient, friendly and convenient” passenger experience.
- Improved rail services, with overnight trains from Luton Airport Parkway and the addition of Oyster card services through to the terminal building by the end of the year.
- Doubling of the existing retail space, introducing exciting shopping and dining options and creating a new executive lounge.
Luton’s CEO Nick Barton said: “LLA is continuing to see unprecedented demand for air travel – September marks the 18th consecutive month of passenger growth.
“These record passenger numbers demonstrate the increasing popularity of LLA with travellers. They also highlight the importance of expanding the airport to help meet the capacity needs in the south-east.
“The appointment of Whitemountain and the relocation of security are major strides forward in our plans to ensure we can continue both to meet growing demand in future and improve the overall passenger experience.”