London Luton Airport Operations Limited (“LLAOL”), the Aena and InfraBridge owned company which operates London Luton Airport (LLA), welcomed the decision.

The growth plans, proposed by airport owners Luton Rising, balance the significant economic growth opportunity for the UK with some of the most robust, far-reaching and comprehensive commitments to sustainability introduced at a UK airport, including a legally binding and independently monitored framework with limits on noise, airport carbon emissions, air quality and surface access under a ‘Green Controlled Growth’ model.

Creating up to 11,000 new jobs and unlocking an additional £1.5bn in the economy every year, the plans will deliver one of the largest construction programmes for the town and wider region in recent years.

The plans will also provide a generational opportunity to further boost Luton Council’s investment in frontline public services and local communities. Since 2013, significant investment made by LLAOL has delivered the fastest growth period in LLA’s history, with annual passenger numbers rising from 10 million in 2013 to around 18 million today. Over this period, LLAOL has provided over £0.5bn in concession fee income to Luton Rising, contributing to investment in local community causes, including frontline council services.

Alberto Martin, chief executive officer, London Luton Airport, said: “Our priority now is to finalise a commercial agreement with Luton Council to renew our successful partnership so together we can deliver on the Government’s growth policy, and make the expansion plans a reality as soon as possible. This will put Luton at the heart of a collective mission to achieve sustainable economic growth.”

Rodrigo Marabini Ruiz, director of international subsidiaries at Aena, said: “Increasing the airport’s capacity by 70% sustainably will require an investment and operating partner with specialist skills and expertise and, as the world’s largest airport operator, we are ready to support Luton’s next chapter. LLA contributes a sizeable proportion of Luton Council’s revenue each year, and we are proud to operate one of the UK’s most community-driven infrastructure assets that is focused on making a positive impact for that purpose.”

A 70% increase in capacity has been approved by the UK government