General Information

London Luton Airport is one of the UK's fastest growing airports with passenger numbers up from 1.9 million in 1995/96 to 6.5 million in the calendar year 2001. Of those passengers, 74 per cent are on scheduled services.

London Luton Airport was officially opened on 16 July 1938 by the Right Honourable Kingsley Wood, Secretary of State for Air. The airport was owned by the Borough of Luton and, even in those early days, it was considered that Luton ought to be designated the northern terminal for London.

During the war years, the airport was a base for 264 Fighter Squadron. It was also an important manufacturing site at which the Percival Aircraft Company designed and built a series of aircraft for both civil and military use.

Development of the civil use of the airport resumed after the war and in 1952 a new control tower was opened. The 1950's and 1960's saw the birth of affordable holidays which combined the transport and accommodation arrangements into a single 'package'. The 'package holiday' enabled many people to travel abroad for the first time and laid the foundations of the immensely successful inclusive tour holiday market.

London Luton Airport played an important role in the development of the inclusive tour holiday business in the UK. A key event in the growth of charter traffic at Luton took place in 1962 with the formation of a new charter airline called Euravia. At the end of 1964 Euravia changed its name to Britannia Airways. Now, Britannia is one of the world's largest charter airlines and is still based at the airport.

In 1968, another charter operation, Monarch Airlines, was formed. Monarch also developed its business over the years and continues to have its base at Luton.

The growth of the inclusive tour market at london Luton Airport was such that in 1969 a survey revealed that a fifth of all holiday flights from the UK departed from Luton Airport. By 1972 Luton had become Britain's most profitable airport.

Luton suffered a major setback in 1974 when a major tour operator, Clarksons and its airline Court Line, went into liquidation. This sent shockwaves throughout the travel industry but had a major impact on Luton where Court Line was a large airline operator.

• Passengers: Over 6.5 Million
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1582 405100
• IATA Code: LTN

Travel Directions

By Car
From the East - Access to London Luton Airport from the East and A1 is via the A505 dual carriageway from Hitchin. The airport lies just off the A505 and is clearly signposted.

From the M1 - London Luton Airport is only 30 minutes from North London, 15 minutes from the M25 and 5 minutes from the M1. The airport is just two miles from the M1 motorway. Exit the motorway at Junction 10. The route to the airport is clearly signposted.

From the M25 - The M25 gives convenient access to London Luton Airport from Essex, Kent, Surrey and Sussex as well as from the North and North-East London. Exit M25 Junction 21 for access to the M1.

From the West - Access to London Luton Airport from the West is possible through several routes. If approaching via Dunstable, follow the airport signs. Alternative approaches include travelling via M40/M25 to join the M1 and then exit via Junction 10.

By Coach
Travelling by coach to London Luton Airport could not be easier. London Luton Airport has excellent connections with key towns and cities in the UK. The coach pick up and set down points are situated in front of the terminal building - appropriate bay numbers are shown below. Tickets can be purchased at the airport from the ticket desk in the arrivals area.

By Train
Regular services to central London, the Midlands and northern England are operated by Thameslink and Midland Mainline. A constant, free shuttle bus service operates to and from Luton Airport Parkway station, situated just 1.8km from the airport terminal building. Tickets can be purchased at the desk in the arrivals area at the railway station.

Luton Airport Parkway Station opened November 1999 provides a dedicated rail link for London Luton Airport. The station significantly improves access to the airport by public transport. A £23 million three storey station with escalators and lifts to all levels and provides 1,000 car parking spaces situated minutes away from the existing airport terminal. Served by fast and frequent Thameslink services to North London, Central London, the City and Brighton, plus Midland Mainline services to East Midlands, London, Yorkshire. A dedicated Airport Shuttle bus service links the station with the terminal.