Luton airport allowed to double capacity after UK government overrules planners

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander grants consent to London’s fourth-biggest airport to allow potential 32m passengers a year

Luton Airport will be allowed to almost double in capacity after the government overruled planning inspectors who recommended blocking the scheme on environmental grounds.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander granted the development consent order for the airport’s plans to expand its perimeter and add a new terminal, allowing a potential 32 million passengers a year.