Expansion plans for London Luton Airport have been granted development consent by the secretary of state for transport, Heidi Alexander.

The expansion would see the airport increase annual passenger capacity from 19 million to 32 million passengers.

The project would include new terminal capacity, additional taxiways and other transport infrastructure plus the construction of landside support buildings.

The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by London Luton Airport Limited on 27 February 2023.

Alberto Martin, chief executive officer of London Luton Airport, welcomed the government’s approval saying it now provided Luton with a “generational opportunity” to transform the town and the region's economy.

“Once complete, these plans will generate an additional £1.5bn for the economy every year and create up to 11,000 jobs.

“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.”

Paul Kehoe, chair of airport owners Luton Rising, added: “The benefits are clear. At a new capacity of 32 million passengers per year, our scheme will deliver up to 11,000 new jobs, additional annual economic activity of up to £1.5bn, and up to an additional £13m every year for communities and good causes.

“By introducing maximum limits for the airport’s noise, operational greenhouse gas emissions, air quality and surface access impacts, we also believe that our Green Controlled Growth framework represents the most far-reaching commitment to the sustainable operation of an airport ever put forward in the UK.”