Looking into the trench with its stepped foundations and seeing a plan from a distance it looks like a retaining wall with gaps for steps. I can only assume this is to remove some of the slope and make a more gentle slope for people in wheel chairs.

Until their demise, Monarch flew a winter seasonal route from Luton to Eilat-Ovda. I know there was talk about Easyjet being interested in the route but did anything come of it in the end ? Presumably if anyone is to open the route, an announcement would be made in the next month or so...

Vueling Amsterdam and Florence cancelled this morning, and this evening's AMS and BCN not on the airport destination boards. Strike?

Yes. Only UK airports that'll be affected is Luton and Gatwick.

For those that might be interested this is the route from Duty Free and through the terminal extension to pier A

LTNman -

An interesting 6 minute walk - any chance you could post a map showing the route?
It contrasts greatly with the 1966 terminal which boasted a 100 yard walk from your coach to the aircraft steps!

Starting at the top right and ending up heading for the gates in their 20's. Next to Firska can been seen the route to pier B

https://i.imgur.com/zKR4Oax.jpg

Shame there isn't an Ikea type shortcut! :}

Thank you LTNman.

5th based Wizzair from tomorrow, bringing it to 2xA321 and 3x320, with the start of Athens and Reykjavik routes.

Luton is the busiest airport in the Wizz network, and has been for some time. At present, the "first wave" of arrivals is of 13-15 aircraft. In addition to that, the increasing number of based aircraft depart at this time.
Blue Air has 4 or 5 morning arrivals most days, but after the Wizz influx (usually around 9-10am). There are often one or two later in the day. They are planning a significant further increase in S18 over S17, but operating no additional routes.

Doesn't the Wizzair or Wizzair UK commitment go up to 8 based eventually, Reykjavik is becoming a bit of a bloodbath?

Yes, I think the sixth and seventh based Wizzair UK aircraft arrive around 21st May with the eighth at the end of May. Reykjavik will be interesting, the easyJet and Wizzair flights leave within about an hour of each other.

And WOW, Icelandair & BA in the London market, that this a hell of a lot of capacity to fill.

Construction update
 

Fencing has been removed from around most of pier B apart from the shrunken builders compound.
https://i.imgur.com/ugdbg9S.jpg

The new walkway servings stand 61 has been clad. Basically it has the feel of a covered fire escape with a metal floor.
https://i.imgur.com/H2Eadsq.jpg

A walk through the new departure lounge extension. This was the site of the former bus station. To my eyes the strips of wood that is meant to partially hide the ceiling has been installed 90 degrees out when compared to the second photo as it runs in the direction people walk.
https://i.imgur.com/edhXnnR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3FdZc9q.jpg

Taken from the original departure lounge. The photo shows the connection of the new terminal extension that runs along the front of the terminal.
https://i.imgur.com/cDa1Bas.jpg

This is the route to pier B from the main departure lounge. The seating will be removed when it fully opens.
https://i.imgur.com/H3BcAY0.jpg

Despite the increase in the departure lounge size it still feels a tad overcrowded in places. All photos taken in the morning peak.
https://i.imgur.com/MmjAuMq.jpg

No 1 are introducing their Clubrooms Lounge after the Summer season is over. For what reason, I don't know as it's quite a high end product but the Escape lounge is certainly full most of the time in the morning and afternoon rotations.