London Luton could double capacity following expansion approval

London’s Luton Airport could double annual passenger numbers
to a potential 32 million by 2043 following the UK government’s green light for
its expansion plans.

The capital’s fourth-largest airport has been granted
permission by transport secretary Heidi Alexander to expand its perimeter and add
a new terminal and taxiways, with the development’s economic impact
seemingly outweighing environmental concerns. The decision to approve or decline the airport’s plans has been
postponed three times previously.

Airport authorities said the development will generate an
additional £1.5 billion for the economy annually, create 11,000 new jobs, and
increase the choice of airlines and destinations for passengers. EasyJet and
Ryanair…