The history of Luton Airport
London’s Luton Airport is the 7th largest airport in the UK, with over 6.5 million passengers passing through its terminals each year. It is the home of more than 15 airlines and flights from Luton fly to over 60 destinations.
Officially opened on 16 July 1938, the airport was owned by the Borough of Luton and was considered a northern terminal for London. During the war, the airport was used as an airbase for 264 Fighter Squadron and as a place where civil and military aircraft were designed and built.
In the 1970s the airport established itself as Britain’s most profitable airport, playing an important role in the development of package holiday’s in the UK. However, in August 1975, major package holiday operator Clarkson’s and its airline Court Line, went bankrupt and Luton Airport was hit hard.
Over the next 15 years the airport was developed, recognised as being a fundamental part of London’s airport network. In 1985, a new international terminal building was built and opened by HRH The Prince of Wales. Originally named Luton International Airport, in 1991, the airport’s name was changed to London Luton Airport in a bid to reconnect the airport to the capital.
Low cost airline Ryanair originally flew from the airport to Ireland, but in 1991, the airline transferred its base to Stansted airport. Towards the end of the year, after a failed attempt to sell the airport, a new management team was appointed to improve passenger numbers and minimise the airport’s loss.
This led to a £30 million investment to develop the airport and its facilities. Improvements included a new air traffic control tower, new cargo centre, the extension and refurbishment of the passenger terminal and the extension of the car park.
Passenger levels increased rapidly after the upgrade, which coincided with introduction of Airtours flights and low cost airlines Easyjet and Debonair.
In autumn 1999, the airport underwent an £80 million development programme which included further work on the terminal, modern baggage and flight information systems and a wide range of restaurants, shops and bars. London Luton Parkway station was also developed making the airport accessible from London in under 30 minutes.
The airport plays a vital role in the local economy and as the popularity of all inclusive, package holidays continues to grow, so will the number of passengers.



