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Passenger numbers jump 8.1% as London Luton gears up for expansion

London Luton Airport has revealed another month of passenger growth in May as it presses on with its ambitious expansion drive.

The airport ferried 1.4m passengers through its terminals last month, an 8.1% increase on the same month last year which comes off the back of a similarly impressive 13.1% increase in passenger volumes in April.

It comes as LLA continues its expansion efforts with current redevelopment focused on expanding its retail and dining offering.

The airport has lined up some big name brands, including Bella Italia and Krispy Kreme, amongst a line-up of 43 new shops and restaurants as it looks to compete with its bigger South East rivals Heathrow and Gatwick.

LLA’s passenger number surge comes at a time of increases across London’s major airports, with Gatwick and Heathrow both posting impressive numbers over the last 12 months and underlining the need to accommodate ever greater passenger volumes with new expansion efforts.

Nick Barton, Chief Executive Officer of LLA, said that it was ‘fantastic’ to see another month of ‘outstanding’ growth at the airport, which was now focusing on improving road and rail links in and around the airport.

He said: “Our investment is enabling us to offer not only a more relaxing and enjoyable airport experience, but also an ever-widening variety of destinations.

“Whether you’re a business passenger or flying away for a leisure break, LLA can offer options for all budgets, and we’re making the airport easier to reach than ever as we improve road links and public transport access.”

LLA has targeted a 50% increase in annual capacity by 2020 and has a number of expansion works in the pipeline, including a new £200m light rail service (pictured) linking the airport’s train station with the airport itself.