London Luton Airport (LLA) registered its 40th consecutive month of passenger growth after serving 1.6 million passengers in July, a 6.2% rise compared with July 2016.
The most popular summer destinations this July were Mallorca (Palma), Costa Brava (Malaga), Costa del Sol (Alicante) and Costa Blanca (Barcelona) in Spain, as well as the Algarve (Faro) in Portugal.
LLA already offers flights to over 130 destinations and is continuing to expand its route network as part of its current transformation project. A total of 21 new routes have been confirmed in 2017 alone.
The transformation, which represents the biggest single investment in the airport’s history, will increase annual capacity by 50% by 2020. Since construction began in 2016, passengers have already benefitted from an expanded security search area, new multi-story parking garage, and improved retail and dining options, with more to follow later in the year.
Work is also underway to upgrade LLA’s transport links, including the completion of a new dual carriageway access road, which will help to alleviate congestion to and from the airport. Plans by the airport’s owner for a £200m (US$260m) mass passenger transit (MPT) system linking the airport terminal with Luton Airport Parkway station have also recently received approval. Once complete, it will operate 24-hours-a-day and replace the current shuttle bus.
Nick Barton, CEO of LLA, said, “The summer holiday season is now truly underway, with more people than ever choosing to fly from LLA for their summer getaways. Improving transport links is an essential part of our transformation project, and will help us to ensure that all passengers enjoy a quick and convenient journey, wherever their final destination.
“That’s why we’re currently working with partners to secure a dedicated airport express-style rail service as part of the upcoming East Midlands rail refranchising process, which will help to speed up passengers’ journeys as well as provide a huge boost to the local economy.”