Luton airport expansion to go ahead despite concerns

Plan branded disastrous’ for climate and UK holiday resorts

- SIMON CALDER

London’s fourth-largest airport, Luton, has been given permission to expand its annual passenger numbers from under 17 million to 32 million by 2040, despite environmental objections.

The decision by the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, overrules concerns about additional carbon emissions, noise and traffic. The Planning Inspectorate had recommended that she should turn it down on environmental grounds.

The expansion represents a rise of 90 per cent compared with last year’s passenger throughput – without building a new runway. The increase will be met with expanded terminal space, improved taxiways, and infrastructure improvements. Take-offs and landings on Luton’s single runway could increase by 77,000 annually – an average of 211 extra movements per day.