Major UK airport forced to delay huge new £2.4billion expansion plans that would double passenger numbers

LUTON Airport has been forced to delay its mega £2.4billion expansion plans again.

The airport's owners, Luton Rising, are hoping to build a new terminal at the airport in a bid to increase capacity by nearly 50 per cent.

But a decision to approve the plans has been delayed by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh.

She said: "The reason for the extension is to enable the applicant further time to provide requested information, and for that information to be considered, including by interested parties, before the final determination of the application.”

It is the second time a decision regarding the multi-billion expansion project has been pushed back.

Earlier this year, former Transport Secretary Mark Harper also delayed his decision regarding the airport's expansion.

The owners are also hoping to build new airside and landside facilities in addition to expanding the current airfield platform.

A new runway won't feature as part of the expansion but new taxiways will be installed.

The Luton Dart rail service would also be extended under the plans, with a new long-stay car park also being built.

If the plans are approved, passenger capacity at the airport could increase from 18 million to 32 million.

The new expansion could also support 11,000 jobs and generate £1.5billion to the local economy.

Airport Owner Luton Rising added: "In addition, expansion of our airport will deliver important new connectivity for the local area, helping to attract new businesses and improve productivity as well as allowing local residents more opportunities to visit friends and family and travel globally."

The expansion plans have been met with backlash by some locals, with critics saying it would negatively affect the quality of lives in the area.

A decision on the expansion plans is expected by January 3, 2025.

Several other airports across the UK are also hoping to expand and increase passenger capacity in the coming years.

The UK government has approved plans to expand London City Airport.

London City Airport will be able to process an extra 2.5 million passengers when the work is complete.

A ban on Saturday afternoon flights at the airport will remain in place.

London City initially wanted to scrap that curfew, as it sought to expand annual capacity to nine million passengers, up from 6.5 million, by 2031.

And earlier this year, Bournemouth Airport revealed plans to expand its terminal amid a wave of new flights being launched.

Following the addition of flights, the airport is predicted to welcome one million passengers last year - the first time in 15 years.

The airport is now looking into expansion plans for its only terminal to cope with the increased demand.