London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport, with its IATA code LTN and ICAO code EGGW, is a prominent international airport situated in Luton, Bedfordshire, England. Located approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of Luton's town center, it plays a critical role in serving the Greater London area. It is the fourth-largest airport serving the London area after Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, and Stansted Airport, making it one of six international airports in the metropolitan area along with London City Airport and Southend Airport.
Historical Overview
Officially opened in 1938, London Luton Airport was initially a base for Royal Air Force during World War II. The airport's name was changed to London Luton Airport in 1990 to highlight its proximity to London. In the 1990s, the airport experienced rapid growth due to the introduction of new operators like charter operator MyTravel Group and low-cost carriers such as Debonair and easyJet, which led to a significant rise in passenger numbers.
To support its growth, an £80 million extension was funded in August 1997 through a 30-year concession contract involving a public-private partnership consortium, London Luton Airport Operations Limited. Continued investments in the 1990s amounted to £30 million for enhancing its infrastructure and facilities.
Current Operations
Today, London Luton Airport is a base for airlines such as easyJet, TUI Airways, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. Formerly, it was a base for Monarch Airlines until it ceased operations in October 2017. In 2018, the airport handled over 16.5 million passengers, setting a record for itself and ranking as the fifth busiest airport in the UK.
Transportation Links
The airport is well-connected through the Luton DART, an airport rail link that connects Luton Airport Parkway station to the airport. The Luton Airport Parkway station is part of the Midland Main Line and provides efficient transportation for commuters and travelers to and from the airport.