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London Luton Airport

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London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport
Thomas Nugent · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
NameLondon Luton Airport
IataLTN
IcaoEGGW
TypePublic
OwnerLuton Borough Council
OperatorLondon Luton Airport Operations Ltd
CityLuton
Elevation526

London Luton Airport is a major UK airport located in Bedfordshire, approximately 30 miles north of central London. It is one of the busiest airports in the UK, serving as a hub for EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. The airport is also a key base for TUI Airways and SunExpress. Luton Borough Council owns the airport, which is operated by London Luton Airport Operations Ltd, a company owned by Aena, Ardian, and Luton Borough Council.

Overview

London Luton Airport is situated near the M1 motorway and is close to the towns of Luton, Dunstable, and Harpenden. The airport is a significant economic driver for the region, supporting thousands of jobs and generating substantial revenue for local businesses, including Whitbread, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Travelodge Hotels Ltd. The airport's proximity to London makes it an attractive option for passengers traveling to and from the capital, with many choosing to fly from Luton rather than Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, or Stansted Airport. National Express operates coach services from the airport to Victoria Coach Station in central London, while East Midlands Railway and Thameslink trains connect the airport to St Pancras International and other major London stations.

History

The airport has a long history, dating back to 1938 when it was opened as Luton Municipal Airport. During World War II, the airport was used by the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces. In the post-war period, the airport was developed as a base for British European Airways and BEA Airtours, and later became a hub for Ryanair and EasyJet. The airport has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, with the opening of a new terminal building in 1999 and the construction of a new railway station in 2020, which provides direct links to London St Pancras International and other major UK cities, including Birmingham New Street, Leeds railway station, and Manchester Piccadilly station.

Facilities

The airport has a single terminal building, which offers a range of facilities, including Dixons Travel, WHSmith, and Boots UK stores, as well as restaurants and bars, such as Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, and Wetherspoons. The airport also has a range of lounges, including the Aspire Lounge and the Clubrooms, which offer passengers a comfortable and relaxing environment before their flight. NCP Limited operates several car parks at the airport, offering a range of parking options, from short-stay to long-stay, and Holiday Extras provides a meet-and-greet service for passengers.

Airlines and Destinations

The airport is a major base for several low-cost carriers, including EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, which operate flights to a range of destinations across Europe, including Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Barcelona–El Prat Airport, and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. The airport is also served by TUI Airways, which operates flights to popular holiday destinations, such as Palma de Mallorca Airport, Alicante–Elche Airport, and Tenerife South Airport. Other airlines that operate from the airport include SunExpress, Blue Air, and El Al, which offer flights to destinations, such as Antalya Airport, Istanbul Airport, and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport.

Statistics

The airport handles over 18 million passengers per year, making it one of the busiest airports in the UK. The airport's busiest routes include Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, and Warsaw Chopin Airport, with many passengers traveling to and from these destinations for business and leisure. The airport is also a major cargo hub, with DHL Aviation and TNT Express operating freight services from the airport to destinations, such as Leipzig/Halle Airport and Liège Airport.

Ground Transport

The airport is well-connected to the surrounding region, with several major roads, including the M1 motorway and the A505 road, providing easy access to London and other major UK cities. The airport is also served by several bus and coach operators, including National Express and Stagecoach East, which offer services to London Victoria Coach Station and other destinations, such as Milton Keynes, Oxford, and Cambridge. The airport's new railway station, which opened in 2020, provides direct links to London St Pancras International and other major UK cities, making it easier for passengers to travel to and from the airport by train, with services operated by East Midlands Railway and Thameslink. Luton Airport Parkway station is also connected to the airport by a shuttle bus service, operated by Stagecoach East.