London Luton Airport (LLA) recorded the busiest year in its history in 2016 having catered for more than 14.5 million passengers. The record figure represents annual growth of 18.5% compared to 2015.
LLA has now seen 33 months of consecutive passenger growth, with each percentage increase reaching double digits. December saw a 24.6% rise in passenger numbers compared with the same month in 2015.
To meet the continued demand from passengers, the airport has started working on its £110m (US$136m) transformation program, which will increase capacity by 50% from 12 million to 18 million passengers by 2020.
As part of the program, a range of new restaurants and shops are set to open throughout 2017 and improvements are due to be completed in the immigration hall. Access to the airport will be significantly improved, with a new taxi rank, drop-off zone, and dual carriageway, all due to be completed early in the year.
Nick Barton, CEO of LLA, said, “In a year when airport capacity has hit the headlines more than ever before, we’ve been working hard to meet demand. This year, passengers will start to see the benefits of the redevelopment. We’re also continuing our efforts to secure four fast trains per hour to Luton Airport Parkway as part of the upcoming East Midlands rail refranchising. Alongside the light rail link, more fast trains will make it possible to reach LLA from London St Pancras in less than 30 minutes – faster than the current links to both Gatwick and Stansted.”
Written by Dan Symonds
