The airport in collusion with the council only count certain passenger types so the airport in their eyes is still below 18 million at just over 17.9 million. In the short term the airport has imposed restrictions for 2020 which allegedly stopped Air India coming to Luton. For 2021 they expect the council to raise passenger limits to 19 million which will happen seeing they own the asset. It will then be gradually increased to 22.5 million regardless of the planning application for a second terminal which will go to government.