Luton-9

[LTNman]

It won’t be backlit as it went up too quick but it looks fine in the daylight. On the last set of artists impressions there were departures and arrivals signs over each set of doors. The logo was meant to go to the far right of the terminal but this is a much better location.

Still no sign of the ceiling by the landslide retail units being part covered in strips of wood. The exposed services still look awful in stand out silver and make the terminal look half finished not that the strips of wood hid much as the gaps are too large.

[forest]

It won’t be backlit as it went up too quick but it looks fine in the daylight. On the last set of artists impressions there were departures and arrivals signs over each set of doors. The logo was meant to go to the far right of the terminal but this is a much better location.

Still no sign of the ceiling by the landslide retail units being part covered in strips of wood. The exposed services still look awful in stand out silver and make the terminal look half finished not that the strips of wood hid much as the gaps are too large.

The logo squares went up in square by square with what looked like LED gubbings inside before being covered with a square cover.
The vaulted ceiling in departures/security queue now has the rails for a suspended ceiling, a little higher than the new arrivals ceiling but it does cover up the large advertising screens that are still hung.
Notice that it looks like the planning for wavy bus shelter only extends to the current covered walkway from the pedestrian bridge, would have looked better if the same wavy design continued all the way, even if it offers little rain protection.

[LTNman]

I have always associated a photo like this with an airport like Heathrow or Gatwick and not little old Luton. Even the easyjet in the run up bay was in the queue. Photo taken today.

https://i.imgur.com/GmiBP7W.jpg

[dvc]

I have always associated a photo like this with an airport like Heathrow or Gatwick and not little old Luton. Even the easyjet in the run up bay was in the queue. Photo taken today.

https://i.imgur.com/GmiBP7W.jpg
I was pushing out easy on 21L when I noticed it. Now we back on rw 26 and you can clearly see the queues. You can expect similar around 6-7 pm when the late wave of easyjet goes out .

[BlueA330]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmforum.com-vbulletin/640x1136/c3c473c1_0e23_4ea9_8ae8_296d635c654a_b0150b0846246266d06a0d4 2b2cedd65f410949c.png
Today’s BA LHR diversions

[LTNman]

What was that all about as I saw nothing? Aircraft parked on the south stands. Also I thought Luton wasn't taking any diversions for the summer?

[pabely]

What was that all about as I saw nothing? Aircraft parked on the south stands. Also I thought Luton wasn't taking any diversions for the summer?

I think STN & LGW took a few as well, maybe this https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-44877663? I think another was going to come then went to STN instead, the full signs went up.
Diversions outside overnight times are no issue, they stay a couple of hours then drift back to LHR.

[whitelighter]

Heathrow control tower evacuated.

dufficult to get landing clearance when the controllers are other wise engaged

[compton3bravo]

Hope you are not slipping LTNman, usually on the ball, must try harder!

[Expressflight]

What was that all about as I saw nothing? Aircraft parked on the south stands. Also I thought Luton wasn't taking any diversions for the summer?
I thought that as well. I remember it was part of the restrictions announced to keep LTN within its overall noise limits that no daytime diversions other than emergencies would be accepted between June and September 2018. Maybe those restrictions have since been amended unnoticed.

[ImPlaneCrazy]

Apologies if it's already been mentioned, new TUI routes for Summer 19:

Hurghada (HGD) on Thur
Thessaloniki (SKG) on Thur
Heraklion (HER) on Thur
Enfidha (NBE) on Fri
Dalamam (DLM) on Sat

[LTNman]

I thought that as well. I remember it was part of the restrictions announced to keep LTN within its overall noise limits that no daytime diversions other than emergencies would be accepted between June and September 2018. Maybe those restrictions have since been amended unnoticed.

They are indeed banned.

Signature Flight Support | London Luton Airport Night Noise Closures (http://www.signatureflight.com/events/london-luton-airport-temporary-noise-closures)

Also appears as a PDF from the airport direct.

Maybe they were four emergencies

[pabely]

They are indeed banned.

Maybe they were four emergencies

With no ATC at LHR and alot of metal spinning around the holds filling quicking burning fuel would make such a scenario for special one off!
Of course we don't know if they actually declared an emergency fuel status over London TMA, unless anyone was up their on same frequency or monitoring.
I don't believe anything went to SEN though Expressflight which could have been an alternative if STN and LGW said no to any more?

[Expressflight]

No, nothing went to SEN as far as I know.

[gilesdavies]

Apologies if it's already been mentioned, new TUI routes for Summer 19:

Hurghada (HGD) on Thur
Thessaloniki (SKG) on Thur
Heraklion (HER) on Thur
Enfidha (NBE) on Fri
Dalamam (DLM) on Sat


Nice array of new routes, wonder if this was a reaction to Thomas Cook, as they launched some routes to Turkey and Tunisia this year.

Will this mean they will be re-instating a third aircraft to TUI's LTN base?

[dvc]

As far as i know those were fuel emergencies.
One was still here earlier today
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmforum.com-vbulletin/1080x565/download_682e52ab2b4e566756c4c70585141930b8ba4030.jpg

[ericlday]

Departed at 14.45 for LHR

[22/04]

Anyone get a pic of the DC6B flyby this afternoon?

[gilesdavies]

So many delayed flights tonight, many in-excess of an hour...
Whats the reason?

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmforum.com-vbulletin/836x1310/screen_shot_2018_07_19_at_21_17_49_0d12e5d2120a861e3c9649b41 55dd1a0b3f2c999.png

[Buster the Bear]

There is no such thing as a fuel emergency, you either PAN or MAYDAY. The problem with Heathrow is that one of the diversion airports, is the other runway at the Heathrow. If there is a total closure, NATS has a contingency plan and airports close by have to take traffic in an emergency due low fuel. After all, if they didn't, there would be no other options.

[dvc]

There is no such thing as a fuel emergency, you either PAN or MAYDAY. The problem with Heathrow is that one of the diversion airports, is the other runway at the Heathrow. If there is a total closure, NATS has a contingency plan and airports close by have to take traffic in an emergency due low fuel. After all, if they didn't, there would be no other options.
FYI


The pilot-in-command shall declare a situation of fuel emergency ”MAYDAY FUEL”, when the calculated usable fuel predicted to be available upon landing at the nearest aerodrome where a safe landing can be made is less than the planned final reserve fuel. Declaration of a fuel emergency is an explicit statement that priority handling by ATC is both required and expected.

[dvc]

So many delayed flights tonight, many in-excess of an hour...
Whats the reason?

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmforum.com-vbulletin/836x1310/screen_shot_2018_07_19_at_21_17_49_0d12e5d2120a861e3c9649b41 55dd1a0b3f2c999.png
Today around 1200-1500 there was high congestion in the TMA. London was releasing very little aircraft. Some had to come back for fuel after spending too much time waiting for release. At one point counted about 8 aircraft waiting for takeoff and another 5 or so held on stand waiting to be pushed. That caused inbound aircraft to be parked on remote stands which mean pax had to be coached (and you can almost certainly expect some delay when that happens during mid vawe)

[BOB 727]

Passed in front of my house in North Luton quite low, loved the sound of those engines. Watched him on FR 24 head down to London and circle around the city at 1500 ft, then head back north and he passed the back of the house about the same height. Special day for a special plane. In answer to 22/04 about the DC 6B

[compton3bravo]

With the closure of Gatwick last night two aircraft diverted to Luton apparently with two more going to Stansted and four to Birmingham. It looks like the night ban seems to be in name only. Comments please.

[Captain_Caveman]

The ban is still in place. Overnight both Luton and Stansted will only accept diversions if a pan or mayday is declared which is what happened with several aircraft last night.

[cj241101]

Anyone get a pic of the DC6B flyby this afternoon?

Funnily enough.....it's not very good as it was practically overhead. Nice surprise, though, didn't know it was coming, just managed to grab the camera in time. FR24 reported it at Blackbushe and Farnborough last week (13th). Probably for the History and Nostalgia section really, but OE-LDM visited the airport many times 1976-early 1980's when it was an Austrian DC-9-51.

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

[LTNman]

Don't know if you have to be a facebook member to view this but this short video was taken inside the DC 6 as it beat up the runway at Luton ( Edit no the link does not work as a cut and paste even for me but for members it is on this facebook groupLuton Airport Photographers, Spotters and Aviation Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/245818605436942/?ref=group_header)

[LTNman]

http://i64.tinypic.com/2m5jyu9.pngI Laws
http://i63.tinypic.com/jzijj8.png

Must be a good reason why it could not land airside.

[Plane.Silly]

Maybe the casualty wasn't airside yet?

[LTNman]

Yes probably a land side casualty but the helicopter could maybe have landed on the south stand which has a crash gate with the paramedics being taken landslide. The bus station would have been closed for the duration of the visit bring chaos to the coach operations.

Also those National Express bays are usually full of coaches so they must have been cleared first.

[Dannyboy39]

Does anyone know the full story behind this? It looked like something had happened on a bus. I was actually just being driven into the drop off zone for a flight, when I saw the chopper landing.

It was indeed causing chaos for the taxi rank and coach station - they were both completely closed to all traffic.

[horatio_b]

From "Luton Today"Luton Airport has been revealed as the most expensive place to park your car, a new survey has uncovered.
Car insurance specialist Admiral compared parking prices at 30 airports across the UK, and found the cost of a two week stay at Luton Airport’s car parks could set you back £255, up £64 from last year.Ranking second was London Gatwick airport at £175 to park for two weeks and third was London City airport at £163.The most expensive drop off zone at the terminal was found to be Stansted airport, where 15 minutes costs drivers £8.50 - equivalent to 57p a minute, followed by Luton again at £8 for 15 minutes.Admiral found that the ‘average’ prices for pre-booked stays, on the day stays and drop off zones were all higher at UK airports than for European counterpartsIt’s the second year in a row that Luton airport has topped the list. Last year’s cheapest airport Exeter, cost £14 more this year, whilst Belfast International was £12 cheaper than in 2017 and the cheapest of 2018.

[LTNman]

The airport controls capacity by charging high fees. Last year the airport had a short term car park that was rammed. Now it has gone yet the multi-storey still has spare capacity.

[A4]

.....and so they’re building.....another one......? :confused::confused::confused:

A4

[LTNman]

Yes and they will have no problems filling them either as the price point will be changed to stimulate demand.

Expect one multi-storey to be short term while the other to be premium meet and greet that used to use the top two floors of the multi-story. A private company takes most of that market which the airport will claim back once they have the spaces.

[Buster the Bear]

I wonder what LBC are doing with the £19m they made from the airport last financial year? Mind you, going to take a lot of £19m to pay for the DART!

[LTNman]

That is small change compared to the council borrowings required for basically a new airport connected to the existing runway.

Much of Luton’s growth has come from Eastern Europe so they would have to find new markets to keep on growing. With its 2160m runway Luton would be excluded from many airlines potential long haul plans and Luton’s traditional bottom end market would not suit most national flag carriers running overflow services out of Luton.

Think we could expect another low rent terminal with a split easyjet Wizz operation but I am not sure where other growth would come when Stansted will offer a better product using its longer runway.

[gilesdavies]

With its 2160m runway Luton would be excluded from many airlines potential long haul plans and Luton’s traditional bottom end market would not suit most national flag carriers running overflow services out of Luton.
The 787-8/9 should have no issues operating out of Luton on long haul routes,... Look at Bristol with non-stop ops to Cancun and Orlando with TUI.

The bigger question is, does TUI or any other airlines really want to operate these flights from the airport?

All previous long haul routes from the airport, have a pretty disasterous track record and as the market for low cost long haul gets more and more saturated, the chances of Luton securing any of the services is becoming rarer.

[pabely]

The 787-8/9 should have no issues operating out of Luton on long haul routes,... Look at Bristol with non-stop ops to Cancun and Orlando with TUI.

The bigger question is, does TUI or any other airlines really want to operate these flights from the airport?

All previous long haul routes from the airport, have a pretty disasterous track record and as the market for low cost long haul gets more and more saturated, the chances of Luton securing any of the services is becoming rarer.
Not saying it will happen but the likes at JetBlue have large numbers of 321NEOs on order which could be changed to LR, even WZZ the option to move into long haul themselves or with a link to say JB, that would shake things up!

[LGS6753]

This year sees the largest number of airlines operating regular services for many years. I think there are currently 16:

EasyJet (& EasyJet Europe)
Wizzair (& Wizzair UK)
Ryanair
Blue Air
El Al
Vueling
TUI
Thomas Cook
Sun Express
AlbaStar
Travel Service
Freebird
Air Nostrum
Tarom
DHL/EAS
MNG

[LTNman]

That’s more than I thought, I don’t recognise AlbaStar, Travel Service or Freebird as part of a regular programme but I could well be wrong. I see Air Europa are operating a Palma flight this morning, is that a weekly service?

[compton3bravo]

The AlabaStar, Freebiird and TravelSaervice are regular weekly flights throughout the summer for tour operators. The AirEuropa is a split with Inverness i.e. Palma-Inverness-Luton-Palma but only a couple of flights I think. On Wednesday there were two charters from Inverness operated by Jota 146 and an ASL Airlines B737 which routed CHG empty to Inverness then to Luton then positioned empty back to Charles de Gaulle!

[Falcon666]

Nouvelair will be operating a weekly Enfidha flight on behalf of Thomas Cook for S19

Will remain to be seen if Alba, Freebird etc return next year as they were operating on behalf of Tui and rumour is the third Based Tui will reappear for S19.

Anybody know what the latest is with the old Monarch HQ?

See LTN had a LCY Alitalia E195 divert last night , seems strange it didn't go to either SEN or STN

[southender]

Falcon 666

I don’t think Alitalia ever use SEN as a diversion airport. SEN did however have a BA Cityflyer LCY diversion last night.

[Expressflight]

See LTN had a LCY Alitalia E195 divert last night , seems strange it didn't go to either SEN or STN
STN is Alitalia's normal LCY diversion choice and surprising they couldn't accept it (presumably).

[compton3bravo]

I see a Norwegian Air has diverted from Gatwick this afternoon coming from Stockholm. Is it the first time Norwegian have used Luton, cannot recollect one before.

[planedrive]

Luton seems to have been hit particularly badly by the weather today, many cancellations and apparently the airfield is now full so all arrivals are diverting. Expensive day for everyone involved!

[Dannyboy39]

Luton seems to have been hit particularly badly by the weather today, many cancellations and apparently the airfield is now full so all arrivals are diverting. Expensive day for everyone involved!
It is indeed - a complete airstop earlier. London airspace completely full so delays all over the place. I’m currently stuck on stand 20 (I think) waiting for a bus. Got onto finals before diverted into a hold for about 5-10 mins. Got on the ground held at B5 for about 5 mins also due to a med emergency. No Marshaller, nor airside vehicles available. Stands completely full, and really quite lucky to get in considering what backlog there seems to be. I wouldn’t want to be arriving around 11-12 as you probably wouldn’t be! One of those days really - can’t be helped!

[pabely]

STN is Alitalia's normal LCY diversion choice and surprising they couldn't accept it (presumably).

I think the news answered that one with the problems at STN.

[LTNman]

The mini shelters that cover just the entrances to the terminal were used in anger today as the first heavy rain fell on them. As can be seen passengers were so impressed that they were reluctant to leave them as maybe they didn't want a good soaking if they took 10 paces.

https://i.imgur.com/B5BUdhR.jpg

[compton3bravo]

Here we go again diversions from Gatwick due to blocked runway.

[gilesdavies]

POST DELETED...

I commented on Wizz Air dropping flights to Tel Aviv, Larnaca and Athens, however this was a mistake.

When you check the flights by a month at a time, to find the cheapest flights it showed no flights after either end of October or Mid November. However when you go through the normal booking process flights are showing..

[Falcon666]

Giles
i just tried a dummy booking on all three routes for December and they are all fine Judging by the prices I don't think they are being dropped.
Perhaps it was just an update?

[VickersVicount]

Nice to see Wizz starting Lisbon, though becoming quite a congested UK market

[Spanish eyes]

I wondered up to the multistory today at 09:50 and stayed until 10:10. LLAL talks about maximizing the runway use by doubling passenger numbers yet when I arrived the queue of departing aircraft was 8 and by the time I left it was 10 despite only witnessing one arrival with no aircraft back tracking. The queue extended all the way back to the south stands with aircraft also queuing on Delta. Seen nothing like this before at Luton. Noted there were times when there were delays between departures so maybe the issue was getting the aircraft out of Luton airspace.

[Falcon666]

Nice to see Wizz starting Lisbon, though becoming quite a congested UK market





EasyJet have three flights a weekday from Luton to Lisbon, one more daily than they fly from Gatwick during the summer.
The prices are always high from Luton and many are fully booked days ahead( I know I've tried)so the demand is there.

Also Kharkiv is in the booking engine as a new route pending approval.
3x wkly from November

[Falcon666]

I wondered up to the multistory today at 09:50 and stayed until 10:10. LLAL talks about maximizing the runway use by doubling passenger numbers yet when I arrived the queue of departing aircraft was 8 and by the time I left it was 10 despite only witnessing one arrival with no aircraft back tracking. The queue extended all the way back to the south stands with aircraft also queuing on Delta. Seen nothing like this before at Luton. Noted there were times when there were delays between departures so maybe the issue was getting the aircraft out of Luton airspace.

Yep ,weather related again

[Level bust]

Yep ,weather related again

What weather issue was there this morning?

[Falcon666]

What weather issue was there this morning?

Appeared poor weather front to the East over Norfolk.
Several Wizz had to fly north up to around Kings Lynn area and then down past Bedford, others held over the North Sea and came in further south.
Thats how it looked on FR24.
presumably the departures got hit as a result of missing slots but that's just a guess

[Level bust]

Appeared poor weather front to the East over Norfolk.
Several Wizz had to fly north up to around Kings Lynn area and then down past Bedford, others held over the North Sea and came in further south.
Thats how it looked on FR24.
presumably the departures got hit as a result of missing slots but that's just a guess


Interesting, thanks. That's one thing I don't miss, having to work when there were build ups around!

[LTNman]

Search YouTube for air ambulance Luton Airport for full screen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRYBalfeVyo

[davidjohnson6]

To me a 3x weekly route from Luton to somewhere like Kharkiv is a bit of a jaw dropper. Eastern Ukraine near the Russian border, not that far from the region with a frozen conflict. Very few Brits will be going there either as tourists, for business or visiting friends / relatives. Ukrainian / Russian citizens generally don't have residency or employment rights in the UK. Furthermore eastern Ukraine tends to be much more pro-Russia compared to the pro-EU west of Ukraine

Yes I know there was a Luton-Donetsk route around 2012 but it didn't last long - the fighting around Donetsk and destruction of Donetsk airport didn't exactly help. Yes I know Wizz already fly from Kharkiv to Dortmund and Katowice. But all the same the announcement of the route still amazes me

[Pain in the R's]

Russian citizens generally don't have residency or employment rights in the UK.

Doesn't seem to stop Colombians, Brazilians or the whole of Africa settling here so there must be ways to get around the system.

[Planespeaking]

Doesn't seem to stop Colombians, Brazilians or the whole of Africa settling here so there must be ways to get around the system.
Well said Pain!

[compton3bravo]

Watching the routings being taken by Wizz and Ryanair this morning some coming over the KENT coast and others coming over Norfolk. Must say hats off to all at NATS but of course we had the moaners on aircraft complaining about the delays outbound. I see the little Englanders are out in force again!

[pabely]

Didn't see this coming on horizon https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/direct-asr-london-flight-may-become-a-reality-soon/629556.html

[Buster the Bear]

Air India! They only have B777-200s or Boeing 787s. I did wonder if they were getting A321LRs, but no?

[22/04]

Probably not a field length problem for either to Amritsar if they don't haul much cargo. However I don't know if there are any stand/wingtip clearance issues.

[CabinCrewe]

Air India ex LTN will come to nothing.
AI dont know if theyre coming or going...

[wallp]

Air India! They only have B777-200s or Boeing 787s. I did wonder if they were getting A321LRs, but no?

I thought 787's were well equipped for shorter runways and both they and 777-200's already fly in/out of Luton occasionally with TUI and El-Al respectively?

[jdcg]

The reason why there might seem to be many Brazilian and Colombian people here is because many of them have Portuguese and Spanish passports respectively. Although, frankly, there are not THAT many of them and I live near one of the major Brazilian and Colombian areas of London.
As to the "whole of Africa" being here. Just nonsense

[inOban]

And so long as there are lots of jobs that British people don't want to do, we will continue to need to bring in people from elsewhere, particularly from countries whose economies we have helped to ruin, whether by climate change or by the supply of arms.

[LTNman]

Air India! They only have B777-200s or Boeing 787s. I did wonder if they were getting A321LRs, but no?

Does Luton have terminal stands that can now even handle B777s or 787s? My son used to work for a handling agent and they were told that since the stands were remarked to squeeze more stands in those passengers would have to be bussed. I thought it was nonsense but since then ElAl haven’t put anything bigger than a 767 through Luton.

[cj241101]

This Google Earth image shows the remarked stands, although the 767 image has been superimposed for reasons which only Google can answer (it appears on their historical images as well, going back as far as 1945 :confused::confused:). Stand 42 is the normal spot for the 767-300 (180ft 5ins long), stand 42R is left of 42 in the picture with the forward stop bar and was intended for 777-200's (209ft 1ins long). There was an unsubstantiated rumour it wasn't long enough and, as LTNman says, El Al haven't sent us a 777 since October, although IIRC the stands were already marked before then. As for the 787-8 (length 186ft 1in), I don't believe it has been parked on a terminal contact stand yet and the only commercial flights I know of so far have been parked on the south apron. Wingspan shouldn't be an issue, 2ft 8ins less then the 777-200.

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

As for Air India operating Amritsar-Luton, well, the statement quoting Luton as the London airport due to a lack of slots at Heathrow seems to have come from a minister of some kind whose knowledge of aircraft performance from short runways, not to mention the suitability of the planned destination airport, is probably nil. Dream on.

[Lee Baker Street]

This Google Earth image shows the remarked stands, although the 767 image has been superimposed for reasons which only Google can answer (it appears on their historical images as well, going back as far as 1945 :confused::confused:). Stand 42 is the normal spot for the 767-300 (180ft 5ins long), stand 42R is left of 42 in the picture with the forward stop bar and was intended for 777-200's (209ft 1ins long). There was an unsubstantiated rumour it wasn't long enough and, as LTNman says, El Al haven't sent us a 777 since October, although IIRC the stands were already marked before then. As for the 787-8 (length 186ft 1in), I don't believe it has been parked on a terminal contact stand yet and the only commercial flights I know of so far have been parked on the south apron. Wingspan shouldn't be an issue, 2ft 8ins less then the 777-200.

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

As for Air India operating Amritsar-Luton, well, the statement quoting Luton as the London airport due to a lack of slots at Heathrow seems to have come from a minister of some kind whose knowledge of aircraft performance from short runways, not to mention the suitability of the planned destination airport, is probably nil. Dream on.


I recall 2 Boeing 747s parked (at the same time) on that very apron a few years ago for football charters. I further recall a 747 on the south apron and a Antanov 124 also parked on the south apron. Further more there was a Virgin 747 and another 747 that was parked in front of the current Britannia hangar many years ago. In effect most large transports can be accommodated but during quieter periods.

[LAX_LHR]

But, Air India do have unused slots at Heathrow. It was quite publicised a few weeks ago as Jet Airways tried to grab said slots, but Air India insisted they will eventually use them, so Jet lost their application case.

[cj241101]

I recall 2 Boeing 747s parked (at the same time) on that very apron a few years ago for football charters. I further recall a 747 on the south apron and a Antanov 124 also parked on the south apron. Further more there was a Virgin 747 and another 747 that was parked in front of the current Britannia hangar many years ago. In effect most large transports can be accommodated but during quieter periods.

https://i.imgur.com/gld4eh6.jpg
9/3/04, Arsenal-Valencia football match IIRC. More 747 Luton photos on History & Nostalgia:-
tried to put a link in which keeps failing, 747 pictures pages 32-24.

[ericlday]

What appears to be preventing aircraft landing currently ? Various holding patterns being taken !!!

[Falcon666]

Easyjet a/c with hydraulic problems landed and airport fire in attendance .
Runway inspected for fluid, airport closed for about 10 mins

[ericlday]

Falcon, Thanks for the info.

[LTNman]

I recall 2 Boeing 747s parked (at the same time) on that very apron a few years ago for football charters. I further recall a 747 on the south apron and a Antanov 124 also parked on the south apron. Further more there was a Virgin 747 and another 747 that was parked in front of the current Britannia hangar many years ago. In effect most large transports can be accommodated but during quieter periods.

All very true but the question is regarding terminal stands and not bused stands. The 2 747's appeared when there was no pier. Luton is a different place from those days. I suppose there is nothing to stop a new wider stand being painted in which would temporarily reduce the grand total of stands by one if something wide came in as long as the length wasn't an issue.

[dvc]

Easyjet a/c with hydraulic problems landed and airport fire in attendance .
Runway inspected for fluid, airport closed for about 10 mins
Same issue Vueling operating from Florence. Escorted by 2 trucks and commander .

[dvc]

All very true but the question is regarding terminal stands and not bused stands. The 2 747's appeared when there was no pier. Luton is a different place from those days. I suppose there is nothing to stop a new wider stand being painted in which would temporarily reduce the grand total of stands by one if something wide came in as long as the length wasn't an issue.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmforum.com-vbulletin/980x2000/screenshot_20180806_105000_2cf1406c8da45725f204dc677fdab1c8b 14a5c74.jpg
That may clear things up

[lfc84]

Landed in Luton over the weekend - bags delivered quickly.
Signage for Car Hire transfer bus in terminal is non existent. Had to ask and we were directed towards Bus Stop Bay C.
Queues for security and check in looked very, very long

[Buster the Bear]

Allegedly the 'drop off fees' are a huge cash cow for the airport operator. When I say huge, more like gargantuan!

[LTNman]

Probably offsets some of the airline discounts.
No start date yet on the new taxiways which were meant to have been started in June
Turner & Townsend has landed two roles on a job for Luton Airport.

The consultant is set to act as project manager and cost consultant for the airport as it looks to build an additional taxiway.

While the contract was initially estimated to be worth £650,000, T&T is set to be paid £665,642 to carry out the job.According to the contract award notice, which has been published on the Official Journal, Turner & Townsend beat out three other bidders for the job. The airport’s legal team launched the search for a contractor for the job in March.

The £7.1m contract was expected to start this month and wrap in May 2019. No contractor has been appointed.

[LGS6753]

In the above quote, the figures in para 3 are roughly 10x the amount in para 4. Are they referring to the same job?
Presumably this relates to the new taxiway parallel to Delta.

[gilesdavies]

Allegedly the 'drop off fees' are a huge cash cow for the airport operator. When I say huge, more like gargantuan!

The only document I can find regarding how passengers get to/from the airport is the "London Luton Airport Surface Access Strategy " document published in 2009, and it states 28.3% of passengers arrive/depart the airport by car pick up/drop off and 13.5% arrive by taxi, totalling 41.8%.
(Source - https://www.london-luton.co.uk/corporate/lla-publications/surface-access-strategy)

These are very crude and basic figures, but based on the airport as it is right now, operating at 17 million passengers a year, that 41.8% figure works out to be 6.656 million passengers.

If we halved that figure assuming every car bringing passengers to the airport was carrying two passenger, that works out to be nearly £10 million a year in £3 fees.

In addition 18.7% in 2009 were using the airports on-site car parking facilities.... That, percentage equates to about 3.1 million passengers now, when you factor in the cheapest daily charges available online are around £8,50 a day, and those fees go up exponentially, if you use short stay or don't book in-advance, the mind boggles at how much money they are making here!

About 38% of passengers are arriving by bus/train/off-site parking services... I think we can all be confident the airport is making a cut on coach tickets and the train shuttle service, so probably a nice bit of revenue there too. Also I'm sure companies like AirParks at Slip End pay a handsome fee to operate their buses to airport and being allowed to have their own bus bay at the terminal bus station probably comes with a hefty price tag!

The figures could be very different now and in the ways people get to the airport, but it gives food for thought, how much the airport is making, in just ground access to/from the airport. No wonder they can afford to keep re-configuring the the drop-off zone every few months! :ok:

[LGS6753]

To say nothing of parking in the 5-storey MSCP at £55 per day....

[LTNman]

In the above quote, the figures in para 3 are roughly 10x the amount in para 4. Are they referring to the same job?
Presumably this relates to the new taxiway parallel to Delta.

The £665,642 is for looking at doing the work by a consultant while the £7.1 cost is for the grafting.

[LTNman]

If we halved that figure assuming every car bringing passengers to the airport was carrying two passenger, that works out to be nearly £10 million a year in £3 fees.

Those passengers getting dropped off also get picked up so the car trips are doubled at £6 per round trip.

[LGS6753]

From Airline Route:Wizz Air at the launch of winter 2018/19 season is launching Wizz Air UK operation, under IATA code W9. In addition to the launch of new code, the airline also further expands London Luton network in winter 2018/19 season.

London Luton – Kharkiv eff 13NOV18 3 weekly
W94487 LTN0700 – 1245HRK 32S 246
W94488 HRK1315 – 1510LTN 32S 246

London Luton – Lisbon eff 28OCT18 1 daily
W94493 LTN1715 – 1955LIS 32S D
W94494 LIS2035 – 2320LTN 32S D

Previously reported new routes (operating under Wizz Air UK’s W9-coded flight numbers):
London Luton – Eilat/Ovda eff 28OCT18 2 weekly A320
London Luton – Grenoble eff 15DEC18 2 weekly A320
London Luton – Tromso eff 14DEC18 2 weekly A320
London Luton – Verona eff 15DEC18 2 weekly A320

Following Wizz Air service to/from London Luton will continue to operate under W6-coded flight numbers: Athens, Belgrade, Bucharest, Budapest, Chisinau, Cluj, Craiova, Debrecen, Gdansk, Iasi, Katowick, Kiev Zhulyany, Kutaisi, Poznan, Reykjavik Keflavik, Riga, Sibiu, Skopje, Sofia, Timisoara, Varna, Warsaw, Wroclaw

[Buster the Bear]

The only document I can find regarding how passengers get to/from the airport is the "London Luton Airport Surface Access Strategy " document published in 2009, and it states 28.3% of passengers arrive/depart the airport by car pick up/drop off and 13.5% arrive by taxi, totalling 41.8%.
(Source - https://www.london-luton.co.uk/corporate/lla-publications/surface-access-strategy)

These are very crude and basic figures, but based on the airport as it is right now, operating at 17 million passengers a year, that 41.8% figure works out to be 6.656 million passengers.

If we halved that figure assuming every car bringing passengers to the airport was carrying two passenger, that works out to be nearly £10 million a year in £3 fees.

In addition 18.7% in 2009 were using the airports on-site car parking facilities.... That, percentage equates to about 3.1 million passengers now, when you factor in the cheapest daily charges available online are around £8,50 a day, and those fees go up exponentially, if you use short stay or don't book in-advance, the mind boggles at how much money they are making here!

About 38% of passengers are arriving by bus/train/off-site parking services... I think we can all be confident the airport is making a cut on coach tickets and the train shuttle service, so probably a nice bit of revenue there too. Also I'm sure companies like AirParks at Slip End pay a handsome fee to operate their buses to airport and being allowed to have their own bus bay at the terminal bus station probably comes with a hefty price tag!

The figures could be very different now and in the ways people get to the airport, but it gives food for thought, how much the airport is making, in just ground access to/from the airport. No wonder they can afford to keep re-configuring the the drop-off zone every few months! :ok:

Well based upon what I was told, it could actually be more than the figure you estimated. Nice calculation though.

[LTNman]

There are I think 7 pay booths up from the previous 5. No queues anymore so the airport seems to have finally hit the sweet spot. Traffic flow is constant on the exit although still long queues to get in at 5:30 in the morning. LLAL have said they could tweak again the existing airports capacity to 21 million but no doubt the passengers will suffer.

[compton3bravo]

What about Bari and Tirana LGS6753?

[LGS6753]

Compton -
Yes, I thought there were some routes missing - I copied and pasted from the Airlineroute email. Can't see Prague there either.

[pabely]

LLAL have said they could tweak again the existing airports capacity to 21 million but no doubt the passengers will suffer. Can they do that, I thought they were limited to 18M regardless if they laid more concrete or made better configuration of stands? Wouldn't be a shareholder at Signature hearing this, oh hang on haven't their prices risen anyhow?

[Dannyboy39]

Ok, probably not a new thing but think needs raising - taxi touts on the increase.

Now I refuse to use Addison Lee point blank because of their blatant ripping off of customers, however local taxis hanging around the drop off zone seem to be increasing.

I got in one last Friday after a flight (and the same situation the week before) - tried to double his price. Obviously he had been waiting for a lucrative pickup and ended up with me who lives 5 minutes down the road. The first guy ended up with a £45 barrier charge who tried to plead ignorance, who was rightly ignored and threatened with police, and the second I just walked out. He then went and tried ripping off a Far Eastern family who were probably none the wiser.

I support a free market v AL, but these local drivers aren’t helping themselves and the reputation of the town and their drivers.

[Antek]

Re taxis, just use Uber. I wouldn't touch the locals. But beware - the app will say 'meet at priority pick-up'. Well there's no such place; they go to pick-up zone B, but don't miss them as you'll end up paying extra!

[ClearLand08]

I grudgingly use Addison Lee for the convenience, particularly if my flight is late and I just want to get home. £14 for a c.7 min journey within Luton is ridiculous though. I asked earlier this year about the high prices and they told me point blank that "the airport set the prices we have to charge". I didn't believe them, but is there any truth to this?

[WilliumMate]

I grudgingly use Addison Lee for the convenience, particularly if my flight is late and I just want to get home. £14 for a c.7 min journey within Luton is ridiculous though. I asked earlier this year about the high prices and they told me point blank that "the airport set the prices we have to charge". I didn't believe them, but is there any truth to this?

Rather than the airport set the charges AL will be paying LLA a shed load for the concession. I believe 30% of the fare goes to AL. One mini-cab driver I know returned his keys to go back to a local firm as he had to take £1000 in fares gross per week to clear £320 net. He explained it as: 30% to AL = £700. Rent of car £200, fuel £150 and a few misc items. Being self-employed the 320 is before any NI and tax liabilities.

As for cars touting for business, if they are Luton Hackney cabs then they can pick up but not use any ranks and fares would be metered. Private hire cars must be pre-booked by you directly through their office (not the driver), get in one without doing this and you will be uninsured. Local mini-cab firms would rather not touch the airport for short run pick up/drop off. Too much hassle and time spent getting in and out. Cheapest (and often quickest) way of avoiding AL and airport charges is to spend less than the 3 quid fee on a bus into town and grab a mini-cab there.

[bycrewlgw]

Rather than the airport set the charges AL will be paying LLA a shed load for the concession. I believe 30% of the fare goes to AL. One mini-cab driver I know returned his keys to go back to a local firm as he had to take £1000 in fares gross per week to clear £320 net. He explained it as: 30% to AL = £700. Rent of car £200, fuel £150 and a few misc items. Being self-employed the 320 is before any NI and tax liabilities.

As for cars touting for business, if they are Luton Hackney cabs then they can pick up but not use any ranks and fares would be metered. Private hire cars must be pre-booked by you directly through their office (not the driver), get in one without doing this and you will be uninsured. Local mini-cab firms would rather not touch the airport for short run pick up/drop off. Too much hassle and time spent getting in and out. Cheapest (and often quickest) way of avoiding AL and airport charges is to spend less than the 3 quid fee on a bus into town and grab a mini-cab there.

how does 30% of £1000 come to £700?

[WilliumMate]

Badly worded. Taking away 30% of 1000 leaves 700, then the other deductions after that.

:O

[Falcon666]

July Pax figures 1.67 Mil up 3.1%

[ericlday]

Moving towards that 18M yearly figure

[bycrewlgw]

Badly worded. Taking away 30% of 1000 leaves 700, then the other deductions after that.

:O

got it! Knew my maths wasn’t that great 😂

[LTNman]

A new planning statement has been placed on the towns planning application portal.

The statement which runs to 19 pages includes the reasoning why the canopy footprint was shrunk to next to nothing.

The main purpose of the canopy is to provide shelter for passengers queuing for buses in the CTA. During design development of the forecourt and canopy, it became apparent that the originally proposed canopy was at a height which would not provide cover from rain in windy conditions. A revised design has developed to deliver a lower canopy which will provide better shelter from the rain.
Cover is provided for passengers entering and exiting the terminal through two separate awning canopies, and a third canopy is provided for passengers walking to, and queueing for, Luton Airport Parkway transfer buses. The materials used in the construction of the canopy shall be white PVC coated tensile transparent fabric membrane.

So there you have it, a couple of mini awnings fronting the terminal and a narrow walkway fits the bill.

The two aprons around the former flying club are now going to be left for business aviation

3.6 North Stands
The planning application included indicative drawings for the North Stands. The demand for general aviation remains high at the airport, and it was decided during design development that this space was best used for this purpose, particularly given the orientation of access and egress from the space. As an added benefit, more separation space has been provided between retained building 104 and operational areas. Hanger 55 will be demolished as per the original plans, in due course. The changes proposed are restricted to siting changes to improve circulation and separation distances. Drawing number 40153-01 shows the plan details.

3.5 Central Search Area
The originally permitted scheme increased the number of security lanes from twelve to twenty in the new central search area. Since that time, LLAOL has completed research which has demonstrated 16 lanes, using the latest generation of automatic tray return systems (TRS), are required. All changes are internal. Drawing numbers 40153-11 and 40153-12 show the plan details.
LLAOL will increase the number of security lanes from twelve to fourteen in 2018, earlier than originally planned, using manual tray return systems, and then increase capacity using the latest generation of TRS as dictated by passenger number demands. The overall size of the Central Search Area is not reduced from the original plan.
The proposed change provides the further benefits of creating a more open space, for an improved passenger experience.

Also the capacity has been set in the planning permission at 18 million passengers so there can't be any extra passenger creep without permission.

The new total floors space of the terminal is 89,242m2

Lots of other stuff mentioned that I won't go into here but it is available online to download.

Images showing hints of the second multistory and the station.

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

https://i.imgur.com/9lgLi7u.jpg

[Falcon666]

Love that the top picture shows the fairground style fast food outlets still in place, will they become a permanent fixture I wonder.

On a different note , I noticed in the planning application for the MPT that they are going to construct the Gateway Bridge on land between the Ibis budget hotel and the main roundabout ( land currently used for car storage) before transportation to site.
The traffic management plan is a interesting read in itself!!

The Bridge Is due to be built starting Jan 2019 with anticipated finish of Oct 2019.
Work should start on preparing the build area and a seperate parking area in Proctor Way in September.

[Dannyboy39]

Rather than the airport set the charges AL will be paying LLA a shed load for the concession. I believe 30% of the fare goes to AL. One mini-cab driver I know returned his keys to go back to a local firm as he had to take £1000 in fares gross per week to clear £320 net. He explained it as: 30% to AL = £700. Rent of car £200, fuel £150 and a few misc items. Being self-employed the 320 is before any NI and tax liabilities.

As for cars touting for business, if they are Luton Hackney cabs then they can pick up but not use any ranks and fares would be metered. Private hire cars must be pre-booked by you directly through their office (not the driver), get in one without doing this and you will be uninsured. Local mini-cab firms would rather not touch the airport for short run pick up/drop off. Too much hassle and time spent getting in and out. Cheapest (and often quickest) way of avoiding AL and airport charges is to spend less than the 3 quid fee on a bus into town and grab a mini-cab there.

I think there's 2 million reasons why AL charge what they do.

[LTNman]

Very slowly the routes to the new entrances are opening up but there is still months of work until the whole area around the bus station is complete.
https://i.imgur.com/Ih30NgN.jpg

A more direct route from the shuttle bus has been opened. In between the two slopes stairs are being installed made from what looks like granite.
https://i.imgur.com/qIUexyC.jpg

Also making slow progress is the slatted ceiling, which is now going in. The photo shows the only section to be so far completed since the infill opened in April. The photo is taken from the existing terminal with the check-in desks behind the photo. In the distance can be seen the new build.
https://i.imgur.com/uoLJjzW.jpg

The site of the 2nd multi story is being covered in hardcore.
https://i.imgur.com/muIUTqW.jpg

Despite the terminal station being below ground the former drop off area is also being covered in hardcore with the level being gradually raised by around 1 metre. At some point most of it will all have to be dug out again.
https://i.imgur.com/eBwMcmN.jpg

Finally the update would not be complete without a quick look at the new DART Parkway station interchange. As can be seen this site is also being rolled and raised with hardcore.
https://i.imgur.com/lcv6nHQ.jpg

As can be seen the photos are dominated by hardcore but there is nothing too much to excite.

[Yahoo!®]

It’s very frustrating that when they built the East apron pier they did not consult with ATC who would have strongly suggested making the apron a lot wider allowing for a north and south lane so the aircraft could be pushed back and taxi in simultaneously, the way that Stansted aprons operate efficiently. Several times every day aircraft are left waiting in a queue as they all, invariably, want to arrive and depart from that apron at the same time.

[LTNman]

Think it was due to not wanting to shrink the CTA, which already has limited space and also now has to fit in a new station. When the temporary drop off zone is moved to the new multi-storey I would expect to see this area to eventually become another apron with around 4 nose in stands as the consultation has already hinted that another apron could be squeezed in together with a modest increase to the terminal capacity to bring the total to 21 million as an interim measure.

[Buster the Bear]

https://www.mia.mk/en/Inside/RenderSingleNews/402/134404769

[southside bobby]

Wizz discontinues sales on Ohrid-LTN from 24.10.

[compton3bravo]

Looks like the subsidies have finished and with poor loads time to try something else.

[jdcg]

Looks like the subsidies have finished and with poor loads time to try something else.

Is this not a seasonal route anyway? Flights have always been packed when I or other family members have flown there, admittedly only 4 flights, but prices weren't that low either

[pabely]

https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/best-airport-in-london-luton-a3910306.html

[LTNman]

£275.55 fare to North America? No comment!

[AirportPlanner1]

Is this not a seasonal route anyway? Flights have always been packed when I or other family members have flown there, admittedly only 4 flights, but prices weren't that low either

I suggested this may happen, a lot of Albanians used it but of course Wizz now go directly to Tirana.

I would urge urge anyone to use it while they have the chance, a beautiful area, hospitable people and incredibly cheap

[pabely]

£275.55 fare to North America? No comment!
They do say to.....don't know via where though!

[compton3bravo]

Obviously the North American fare must be with easy/Wizz to Iceland and then onwards with another carrier.

[jdcg]

I suggested this may happen, a lot of Albanians used it but of course Wizz now go directly to Tirana.

I would urge urge anyone to use it while they have the chance, a beautiful area, hospitable people and incredibly cheap
Couldn't agree more. Lovely people and a beautiful place. But I think there's just been a bit of horse-trading between Wizz and the local authorities. Other reports say that flights will be subsidised again. I'm fairly sure we'll see seasonal flights from LTN again next year.

[PAXboy]

Parking question: Pre-booked in the Mid-park and went to print my confirmation, just in case. Realised that I had booked for 24 hours less than the journey. Tried to extend the booking (and pay) but the LLA site said that there was no space. I thought this strange, so used a different browser and blocked cookies to try a booking for the dates I actually need. No surprise that the space was available for the whole trip.

So, when I overstay by 24 hours, can I just pay the surcharge at the barrier? Will the system prevent me leaving?

[LTNman]

Paying on the day for an extra 24 hours is a dear option. I would contact the phone number below to modify or cancel and start again.

What happens if I arrive early or leave late? Do I have to pay extra?Remember that extra charges will be charged at our pay-on-the-day rate and will be need to be paid on exit from the car park. A credit or debit card will be required for payment at the barrier (we don't charge any card fees). Alternatively you can pay cash at the "Pay on Foot" machines in the car park.

You can change or cancel your booking at Manage my Booking or by calling us on 0345 303 7397, as long as you do it 24 hours before your chosen Car Park entry time.

[LTNman]

Seems LLAL are looking at options to add another 3 million passengers to the existing terminal as an interim measure taking the total capacity to 21 million.

[Lee Baker Street]

Seems LLAL are looking at options to add another 3 million passengers to the existing terminal as an interim measure taking the total capacity to 21 million.
LTNman this might be because the airport might be handling approximately 1,750,000 pax during this month of August (x that figure by 12 = 21 million) and with Easyjet still to base at least another 5-6 a/c at LTN and an increase of traffic from
Wizz and others it might be easily achievable.

[LTNman]

The airport has a planning limit of 18 million so will need a planning application to allow 21 million. Luton is in the unique position that its local council will fully support any expansion plans. Talk of another apron and changes to the terminal again with a bit of mini infilling on a much smaller scale. Maybe all the seating will be removed this time and will operate like Thamelink trains in the rush hour with standing room only?

The likely location for another apron would be the existing temporary drop off area with nose in stands facing the multistory. The only uncertainty is will if be connected to pier B via another pier. If it is will that pier then be extended to the south stands? Seems a logical thing to do but it would be a long walk.

[compton3bravo]

I am not sure if it has already been mentioned but it looks like the easy route to Essoura in Morocco finishes at the the end of October. Also been looking at three Wizz routes - Athens, Bari and Tirana. The load factors for July look like nearly 100 per cent, but of course the yield is another matter but looking at some of the prices quoted especially from Tirana if I was a Wizz executive I would be highly delighted.

[toledoashley]

I am not sure if it has already been mentioned but it looks like the easy route to Essoura in Morocco finishes at the the end of October. Also been looking at three Wizz routes - Athens, Bari and Tirana. The load factors for July look like nearly 100 per cent, but of course the yield is another matter but looking at some of the prices quoted especially from Tirana if I was a Wizz executive I would be highly delighted.

Wasn't the Essaouira route changed to summer seasonal?

[PAXboy]

Paying on the day for an extra 24 hours is a dear option. I would contact the phone number below to modify or cancel and start again.

Thanks, I rang the number and found that, as I'd booked far in advance, I could not extend. I was told that I'd have to book new and then claim a refund on the original booking. The agent checked and found that - for a single day - it would be cheaper just to pay the overcharge, then to cancel and rebook. He said I will be able to pay at the barrier in the mid-stay. He was very helpful.

[AirportPlanner1]

Also been looking at three Wizz routes - Athens, Bari and Tirana. The load factors for July look like nearly 100 per cent, but of course the yield is another matter but looking at some of the prices quoted especially from Tirana if I was a Wizz executive I would be highly delighted.

The reason a lot of Albanians trekked 3 hours + to Ohrid was that it was a much cheaper option than any of the few Direct options from Tirana, and the most ‘convenient’ alternative. It’s no surprise to me that Tirana is attracting the punters.

Albania is quite behind on developing its tourist infrastructure (and has a poor image in the UK, which having been there isn’t justified), really its a market and route that should see growth for some time to come.

[Buster the Bear]

Interesting, apparently Luton will handle 50m+ passengers according to consultation relating to expansion with the local community.

After I had fallen off the chair laughing, I realised that the folk at the Town Hall are serious!

I could list all the reasons that I can think of why it will not happen, but a parallel runway is 'on the cards'!

Maybe August 19th is the new April 1st!

[compton3bravo]

You well laugh Buster but who would have thought just a few years ago the airport would be handling the passengers it is now, I for one

[davidjohnson6]

Luton Borough Council as ultimate owner of the airport has a strong interest in seeing the airport grow but also a conflict of interest with regards to having to sometimes reject planning applications when locals object. Does 50m pax become an airport of national rather than local importance, and should planning decisions be 'called in' and taken by Westminster ?

[LTNman]

The consultation is for passenger figures of between 36 and 38 million so don't know where this 50 million has come from. The project even at those levels is considered of national importance and the council has already conceded that it will be decided by government and not them as they would approve anything related to their airport.

This has not stopped the council from putting in a planning application to themselves for the terminal dual carriageway that was meant to serve a business park. Always wondered why a business park needed a dual carriageway but for years the council has had a secret hidden agenda that they didn't want the locals to know about. So much for open and honest local government as even this year they were denying they had plans for a second terminal.

[LGS6753]

New EZY flights: 2pw to Gibraltar (former Monarch route) and 4pw to Krakow (previously served by EZY) this winter. Not sure whether I've seen these mentioned on this thread.

[LTNman]

Been out for a good month now. I am booked on the then last flight back which is the end of March. Don't know if the service is now available from April. As it was the last flight the fare was only £17

[LTNman]

Ryanair to add another 2 Luton based aircraft to Luton bringing the total to 6 so it looks like they have grabbed the 2 stands that will be freed up when the 2 airside contractors compounds are removed.

[AirportPlanner1]

It will be interesting to see whether they do something interesting and add some new routes and destinations as they have at SEN, or use them to undermine EZY routes or shift some stuff away from STN.

[WilliumMate]

.....but for years the council has had a secret hidden agenda that they didn't want the locals to know about. So much for open and honest local government as even this year they were denying they had plans for a second terminal.

It is worth mentioning that at every key decision meeting in the last two years by the council executive with regards to LLA, the public have been excluded under the 1972 Local Government Act.

[AvGeek1]

Routes from Ryanair: Alicante (3 weekly), Athens (3 weekly), Barcelona (daily), Bologna (daily), Cork (6 weekly) & Malaga (6 weekly).

[LGS6753]

Bologna and Cork are new and were unserved.
Athens served by Wizzair daily.
Alicante and Malaga against EZY and TUI.
Vueling might suffer on Barcelona, EZY also operate this route.

[_aax1]

Bologna and Cork are new and were unserved.
Athens served by Wizzair daily.
Alicante and Malaga against EZY and TUI.
Vueling might suffer on Barcelona, EZY also operate this route.

VY BCN no longer operates.

[LGS6753]

aax1 -

Sorry, my mistake. I knew it had reduced, but not that it has stopped.

[ericlday]

q) egtt/qfalt/iv/nbo/a/000/999/5152n00022w005b) from: 18/08/14 14:00c) to: 18/09/30 01:00e) diverts shall only be accepted for acft that have declared an
emergency

[LTNman]

It's been that way since July 1st.

[compton3bravo]

Also an increase in frequency by Ryanair to Vilnius.

[LTNman]

Video report here Ryanair invests £155 million in Luton Airport | Anglia - ITV News (http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/update/2018-08-23/ryanair-invests-155-million-in-luton-airport/)

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-45287489

On the negative side Luton is some 11% lower than the next worst UK airport in the latest Which passenger survey.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/7086635/luton-airport-uk-worst-2018/

[davidjohnson6]

Safe, good chance of profitability, but ever so slightly dull

[OltonPete]

Safe, good chance of profitability, but ever so slightly dull

Routes are dull but certainly not the announcement - did anyone see this coming as very little speculation on this thread beforehand.

In a week American announced Philly - Dubrovnik and Delta Tampa - Amsterdam I suppose this should not be a surprise but how does this fit in with overnight parking come summer 2019.

Pete

[lutonboi]

Not sure if it’s already been mentioned on here but Wizz have announced a 9th based aircraft from the end of this year as well

[LTNman]

With the builders compounds going by November, which will free up 2 stands, Ryanair have grabbed their last chance to base more aircraft at Luton for what could be several years. Interestingly on the TV last night the airport person (sorry no idea who he was) said that Ryanair are tough negotiators and it has taken two years to get the deal. From the airports point of view maybe Ryanair with their higher capacity aircraft is a better option than another couple of low capacity easyjet 319's and that they wanted to get away from the Easyjet / Wizz dominance. On the other hand Ryanair might have been the only bidders.

Reading the airport passenger reviews makes for depressing reading particularly since the completion of the departure lounge where passengers still moan about the same things they have been moaning about at Luton for years. The number one hate seems to be the lack of seating and queuing. Well one thing is for certain, if they thought 2018 was bad then come back for 2019 when things will be worse with even more passengers. I see Luton as a chicken factory, passengers come in through one door, and are then processed and are then dispatched minus their feathers.

Come 2019 the only outstanding work regarding the 18 million passenger upgrade will be the new taxiway Foxtrot and the extension to the taxiway at the 26 end both of which have yet to be started. Other independent works include the CTA's second multistory, which will open in the Autumn of 2019 and the DART link that might open in 2021 although in my eyes it hasn't really got going yet. With the brand new dual carriageway needing to be dug up for the cut and cover tunnel it will be interesting to see how far past Luton Airport Parkway the traffic queues will be for next year when the extra passengers arrive coupled with the pending digging out of the tunnel route.

I have been around the airport since the 1960's and have watched every new build. The transformation can only be described as total. The only reference point is the old Britannia hangar which is now painted orange. Remembering the days even in the early 1990's when staff outnumbered passengers on a winters afternoon when the last flight of the day had departed.

[wowzz]

I see Luton has been named as the UK's worst airport for the third year in a row by Which. I know these sort of surveys are always open to interpretation, but am I the only one to find the comment from a Luton spokesman that in their own survey, 70% pf passengers had been "happy" with their experience perplexing . To take pride in the fact that 30% of your customers are unhappy is extremely depressing.

[LTNman]

A waterproof membrane is being laid out and covered up at the site of the second multistory while bore holes are being drilled and filled with concrete at the site of the new station,
https://i.imgur.com/HeT3sxI.jpg

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

[ClearLand08]

With Boots in its new location in the departure lounge isn't the Est Bar is moving into the old Boots location? This should free up room for a large block of seats where Est Bar is now.

[LTNman]

The Est bar area was indeed shown as a seating area but then there was also going to be a free seating area in the new build shopping area. The temptation to put in an additional retail area was too tempting so the seats were replaced by an additional retail unit and I suspect the same will happen in the est area if it is moved. Anyway the airport does not need any extra seats as in a radio interview this morning the CEO claimed the terminal had 5000 seats and there was no issue.

[01475]

I know Ryanair press releases are always works of art, but how the devil are they getting off with having journalists lazily repeating that this is a £155m investment in an airport? :rolleyes:

If you ever needed evidence that this is a chancer's world... :ugh:

[LTNman]

Think that is the cost of the 2 aircraft. The bull was the claim that these two aircraft will create 1,500 new jobs. Apart from the flight crew I doubt if hardly any new jobs will be created. All it will mean is that some of the support staff like baggage handlers might get a few additional hours added to their zero hour contracts.

[Spanish eyes]

Ref the above photos. As the station is underground the "bore holes" must be the first stage of creating a chamber that will be dug out. The station, while below ground, will not be fully enclosed but will have a cover, dare I say awning over it allowing natural light and probably rain to enter the platforms.

Wonder how the dual carriageway into the CTA will be affected if the road has to be dug up? Answers on a post card

[Constructor]

The boreholes filled with concrete (and reinforcement) are part of a 'Contiguous Bored Pile Wall'. All these bores will be in contact with each other and will be the outside wall of the station. A reinforced concrete beam will then be built on top of the piles tieing them all together. A couple of struts may be included. You can then dig out the soil and there is your station. The back wall to the terminal building was constructed this way. The 'waterproof membrane' is probably a geotextile material used to increase the strength of the sub base. The heaviest loading this area will probably have is the piling rig. I am assuming the mscp will be piled.
IN my opinion this project is one of the most complicated and difficult projects to design and to construct that I have seen. Again in my simple opinion the finished system may be very difficult to maintain.

[compton3bravo]

I see the airport is still finding room for one-off charters - two flights from Perpignan, a Sundair A320 and a FlyLan ATR-72 bringing Catalan Dragons supporters for the Rugby League final at Wembley this afternoon.

[virginblue]

Think that is the cost of the 2 aircraft. The bull was the claim that these two aircraft will create 1,500 new jobs. Apart from the flight crew I doubt if hardly any new jobs will be created. All it will mean is that some of the support staff like baggage handlers might get a few additional hours added to their zero hour contracts.

Wizzair had the same in its press release when they started basing aircraft. They were, however, kind enough to enlighten us how they had derived at this figure

** Airports Council International (ACI) suggests creation of 750 on-site jobs for every 1 million carried passengers per year

Wihich may or may not be true when you start from scratch, but most likely is an exaggeration if you only add to an existing operation.

[WilliumMate]

U2 2311 LTN-JER seems to have made a U turn some 25km NE of Alderney and is heading 028 at 16000ft currently over the IOW.

[robbie1973]

U2 2311 LTN-JER seems to have made a U turn some 25km NE of Alderney and is heading 028 at 16000ft currently over the IOW.

looks like it headed back to Luton and eventually diverted to Gatwick

[ericlday]

Aircraft change at LGW

[Buster the Bear]

You well laugh Buster but who would have thought just a few years ago the airport would be handling the passengers it is now, I for one

Absolutely agree.

Very interesting last paragraph from 'Constructor' made on Aug 25th!

Huge surprise reading a base expansion by Ryanair, but not many new routes for the airport.

When was the land earmarked for Century Park transferred over to Luton airport by the Town Hall? Very convenient!

We appear to have gone from a business park to mostly airport use and a second terminal on the tip (no doubt the further rounds of 'sift' will reveal that favoured option?)

[WilliumMate]

When was the land earmarked for Century Park transferred over to Luton airport by the Town Hall? Very convenient!



Over a year ago on a long lease. The public were of course excluded from the key decision meeting by the executive.

[LTNman]

LLAL have not got a lease on the park but a licence. This was taken out in a secret deal in 2015 between the council and LLAL, which is their own limited company. The lease or sale for a £1 will come later.

The current planning applications for the park are a farce. LLAL have just put in amended applications last week after being condemned by the councils own planning inspector. The whole purpose of the applications is to put in a dual carriageway for a terminal 2 while LLAL are making out it is purely for a business park. The applications show a new Wigmore Park location complete with planting schemes to try and placate local residents while the consultation for airport expansion shows the same site as an airport car park with yet another Wigmore Park in the adjoining county of Hertfordshire.

[wallp]

Routes from Ryanair: Alicante (3 weekly), Athens (3 weekly), Barcelona (daily), Bologna (daily), Cork (6 weekly) & Malaga (6 weekly).

Good to see Cork back on the roster of routes from LTN for Ryanair. It's been a LONG time, I could never understand why the route got cancelled. It makes perfect sense for LTN. Do some of the other routes suggest the beginning of another Ryanair/easyJet battle like we had with Copenhagen?

[Lee Baker Street]

Good to see Cork back on the roster of routes from LTN for Ryanair. It's been a LONG time, I could never understand why the route got cancelled. It makes perfect sense for LTN. Do some of the other routes suggest the beginning of another Ryanair/easyJet battle like we had with Copenhagen?

I hope not! When EasyJet started the Copenhagen service it would be a while before Ryanair suddenly wanted to operate the same service from LTN. Whilst the route had generated extremely high passenger levels it was Ryanair who won, but ULTIMATELY it was Luton Airport who lost! Once Ryanair rid EasyJet from the route; Ryanair then greatly reduced their own service at LTN and then VASTLY increased the same service from STN once more. Luton Airports management should be cautious because from my own opinion they have been negligent! Allowing two major low cost airlines to compete on the same routes from LTN does not necessary equate to success.

[LGS6753]

Trouble is, the airport (any airport) can't stop an airline operating to a particular destination. I would imagine the holiday routes like Alicante and Malaga can stand competition, just as they did when Monarch operated them, as long as neither operator dumps loads of capacity on the route. I'm not sure about Athens though - will Wizzair stay or concede it?

[AirportPlanner1]

Lee Baker Street, minor clarification on your Copenhagen point - FR didn’t operate that route from STN until they shifted the LTN flights over.

EZY did operate it though 3x daily until they started LTN, at which point STN dropped to about 2x weekly.

This was said to be a spoiler so FR couldn’t benefit from new route subsidy, which may or may not have been true. If so, it was perhaps EZY that started the war and that gave up a strong route they’d been in control of for many years going back to the Go days.

[LTNman]

The airport has opened a roof terrace in the departure lounge or should I say a retailer has, which is located between Pret and pier A . Photos on the airports Facebook page. Looks good!

[Falcon666]

Picked up from the Airport today.
Have to say I was impressed with the amount of activity around the new station area, two piling rigs in operation .
A third rig is about to start work on MSCP2 by the look of it as well.
Look forward to the photo updates from LTNman in due course.

[LTNman]

I am already thinking about it but I need a bit more change to happen from the last set of photos published on August 24th.

The first hints of the temporary moving of the dual carriageway is now taking place as the traffic island that sits by the entrance and exit of the bus station has had its curbing removed and looks like it is going to be filled in.

[PAXboy]

It was just over two years since I last used the airport, although I had done drop/collects frequently.

I was on a Midday on Tuesday 21st (to PSA with U2) and everything was pretty good. Not sure what the interval is for the Mid-Term car park but from entering to the bus arriving at 'C' was a GOOD 20 minutes. I'd seen no other bus in that time. The layout of the bus forecourt was dissapointing as they have retained the 'Nose in = Reverse out" which creates delays when the next arrival cannot clear the way for the one who wants out. The awnings are a total waste of money as everyone getting on a bus will get soaked by rain.

Signposting inside was not as clear as it could be. The U2 bag drop queue was well managed but, clearly, more consoles are required but it worked fine.

I had purchased Fast Track but could not see the sign for it! I'm sure that folks will tell me it's loud and clear but, since I was actively looking for it and could not see it? So went into main section as could not be faffed. The new system there worked well.

The extended shopping mall was as I had expected. Aspire lounge very busy bit still OK. Then out to the new pier.

Returning very late last Saturday (from GOA with U2) we parked up by gate 1/2 so had that hideously long walk round three sides. From doors open to bags arriving was about 30 mins so I guess that's average. Overall, a positive experience and will continue to use because STN is too far away and worse.

[Falcon666]

Routesonline are showing a TUI weekly flight to Chambery eff Dec-Mar for W18/19
Last year Titan operated a weekly flight there so i wonder is this a replacement or additional flight.

[davidjohnson6]

Falcon - see the website of Cystal Ski (subsidiary of TUI Group). It looks like Titan are operating a Stansted-Chambery-XXX-Chambery-Stansted flights on Saturdays over the winter - but I'm not sure where the XXX is though

[compton3bravo]

I am led to believe that Titan will be operating a Saturday Chambery flight from Luton for a number of independent ski operators.

[LTNman]

Work has started on the foundations of the second multistory while in the background work continues on the Dart station site. The photo shows three boring machines and 2 cranes.
https://i.imgur.com/WcjG7BT.jpg

The station site.
https://i.imgur.com/TNXMNqV.jpg

Soil is starting to accumulated from the boring operation. At the moment is being dumped by the walkway to the drop off area.
https://i.imgur.com/dDz1Xf3.jpg

The central stairs are now open.
https://i.imgur.com/wWg3Xw7.jpg

Work has started at one end of the bus station to erect the wibbly wobbly covered area as no two posts seem to be the same height. Just in shot a short post is being lowered by the crane.
https://i.imgur.com/3GW5K3t.jpg

Work has started to fill in the entrance and exit island to the bus station. Pure speculation but I suspect the dual carriageway will be diverted into the former loop of the drop off area to allow the existing dual carriageway to be dug out for a cut and cover tunnel.
https://i.imgur.com/tK02EVT.jpg

Meanwhile by the fire station and fronting taxiway Bravo an area has been fenced off. Again this is the route for the cut and cover tunnel that will cross the taxiway. In the distance workmen wearing yellow can be seen that were walking the site.
https://i.imgur.com/YiJr6fj.jpg

[Mallorcaguy]

Hi, I'm flying from Luton at the end of October the flight departs at 06:00 would it be wise to buy fast track or just a waste of money, is it likely to be very busy?

[LTNman]

Personally I would hang onto the money. November is the quietest month of the year and the end of October is close to November. You might have to factor in half term though if it clashes although I would still not bother. I guess it all depends if you want to pass through security at the last minute or give yourself plenty of time.

[Mallorcaguy]

Thanks LTNman, I will have plenty of time as I should arrive around 01:30, it will be half term but being so early I hope to avoid any lengthy queues, thank again.

[gilesdavies]

Personally I would hang onto the money. November is the quietest month of the year and the end of October is close to November. You might have to factor in half term though if it clashes although I would still not bother. I guess it all depends if you want to pass though security at the last minute or give yourself plenty of time.
While LTN is far from perfect, I've had no issues with security this year, and used on numerous occasions.

Never taken more than 20 minutes, even in the morning rush. Im sure in some cases only 10 mins.

Yes the hall is a little crowded and chaotic, but they seem to run a tight ship, and keep everything flowing.

Only thing I am not keen on is sometimes you loose sight of your pocessions if they go through the X-Ray machine before you or if you get held up by the staff if they want to do any other checks on you.
Your bags and belongings can be sat at the bottom waiting to be retrieved for anyone to help themselves to. But this is an issue that could happen at any airport.

[LTNman]

It won't be that bad. It might be the case that the extension to Security will be completed by that time anyway. Landside all the shops and eateries are open 24 hour. Airside they seem to open around 4:30.

[canberra97]

Thanks LTNman, I will have plenty of time as I should arrive around 01:30, it will be half term but being so early I hope to avoid any lengthy queues, thank again.

Arriving at the airport at 01.30 for a 06.00 flight, unreal!

By arriving sooooo early your definitely trying to avoid any length queues.

I never arrive at the airport early, it tends to be at least 90/120 minutes before departure regardless of the airport.

[ericlday]

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-45432055

[LTNman]

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-45432055

Strange story as I always thought that a ticket had to be bought from a conductor/ ticket machine/ kiosk before boarding. We will wait and see to see how the DART ticketing will work but I suspect for many passengers it will not be seamless as they continue to buy tickets to Luton Airport Parkway and not Luton Airport.

[Mallorcaguy]

Arriving at the airport at 01.30 for a 06.00 flight, unreal!

By arriving sooooo early your definitely trying to avoid any length queues.

I never arrive at the airport early, it tends to be at least 90/120 minutes before departure regardless of the airport.




It might be unreal for you but when you're travelling from the North by train you don't have many options. It's fine if you live closer or not using public transport.

[compton3bravo]

For anyone interested Spain football team arriving today on AEA977 B737-800 not on airport website at present time.

[LTNman]

It might be unreal for you but when you're travelling from the North by train you don't have many options. It's fine if you live closer or not using public transport.

At the back of my mind I seem to remember that airside is not open 24 hour as it is/was closed after the last departure until maybe around 4am but I could be wrong there.

Better than Southend though as at least you can still get into the terminal and are not locked out in the cold.

[LTNman]

https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/central-and-east/contractor-appointed-on-london-luton-airport-contract.

The story is inaccurate as the last multistory and the new one is being built by The Buckingham Group with the named company installing the just the composite steel floor that is then poured with concrete.

The new car park should be substantially physically bigger than the existing one as the whole of the ground floor is taken up by a new drop off area while the new car park will have around 400 spaces more despite the loss of the floor.

[Captain_Caveman]

Due to staff sickness, the tower will be closed from 07:30z-08:00z and then again between 10:30z-11:00z this morning so those on shift have their mandatory break

[LTNman]

Remarkable state of affairs. Noted that the estimated times on the boards do not reflect this information.

Also on the NOTAMA2755/18 NOTAMN Q) EGTT/QFAXX/IV/NBO/A /000/999/5152N00022W005 A) EGGW B) 1808221454 C) PERM E) LOCAL TRAFFIC REGULATIONS. SECTION 4 WARNINGS, ADD ADDITIONAL WARNING. UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) OPERATIONS TAKE PLACE WITHIN THE AERODROME BOUNDARY, DETAILS OF OPERATING TIMES AND EXACT LOCATION WILL BE PASSED BY ATC. AIP EGGW AD2.20 REFERS

So what is that all about?

[Alloy]

NOTAM sounds like it could possibly be recognition of the drones easyjet (and possibly others?) use for maintenance?

[Falcon666]

Remarkable state of affairs. Noted that the estimated times on the boards do not reflect this information.

Also on the NOTAM

So what is that all about?

I read recently on the town planning portal that surveys were being carried out for archaeological reasons, as a condition of planning, looking for potential sites of interest. This was for soil extraction for the DART and movement around the Airport.
Perhaps they used drones, hence the NOTAM.

[comptroller]

It’s not the tower here but down at Swanick where the shortfall is.

[forest]

I read recently on the town planning portal that surveys were being carried out for archaeological reasons, as a condition of planning, looking for potential sites of interest. This was for soil extraction for the DART and movement around the Airport.
Perhaps they used drones, hence the NOTAM.

Give that man a gold medal for coming to that conclusion, thats exactly what the drone is for.

[compton3bravo]

A press release just issued show that 1.7 million passengers (actual number not given) used the airport in August up 3.1 per cent on August 2017.

[Lee Baker Street]

1,722,000 pax perhaps?

[Lee Baker Street]

I anticipate between 16.2 and 16.3 million passengers will have used Luton Airport this year. Next year could grow to 16.9 million by December 31st! I further think that both Thomas Cook and Jet2 will base a/c at LTN and EasyJet will base a further 5 to 6 a/c. What’s your views?

[Falcon666]

I anticipate between 16.2 and 16.3 million passengers will have used Luton Airport this year. Next year could grow to 16.9 million by December 31st! I further think that both Thomas Cook and Jet2 will base a/c at LTN and EasyJet will base a further 5 to 6 a/c. What’s your views?
Well as it stands there will be no Thomas Cook a/c visiting next summer. they are using Sunexpress for the Antalya flights (2x wkly) and Easy for Dalaman and Bodrum.
Interestingly the Sunexpress flights start early May according to the Thomas Cook web site which could mean they will be doing a full summer schedule next year .( Sunexpress that is)
Only way Jet2 could get into Luton is by doing w flights from say STN which could make sense to give them another departure airport but this seems very unlikely at present and they have evidently ruled out Luton due to Terminal constraints!!

Apart from that where are you getting the stands from?

[LTNman]

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

The airport has published a publicity photo of their new canopy for bus passengers. In the last of the planning application amendments where they seek retrospective planning permission the justification given for not building the full canopy is that it was too high to offer weather protection to passengers. The fact that the dirty white awnings that cover just the entrances only now offers protection to smokers and then it ends only to start again once passengers reach the walkway to the multistory or the bus canopy has been conveniently ignored.

I had great expectations in 2012 when plans were first announced that Luton would end up with a terminal it could be proud of but the airport has relied solely on the shops, bars and food outlets to add a bit of class. The contribution by the airport has been truly shocking with its choice of fixtures and fittings to keep costs to a minimum while offering nothing worthwhile for the customer experience.

Anyone familiar with the terminal on a daily basis will know the airport has a very long history of never fixing broken floor tiles. Even on brand new sections floor layers never go back to fix their work and this is also happening now on the new terminal infill which only opened in April. The result of this is that the flooring looks truly awful and is a patchwork of grey.

The low ceilings with all the services exposed like ducting, pipes and electrical services prominently stand out in silver as they were never spayed black to hide them. With random amounts of large gap planking fitted to the ceilings, which often lay in line with the direction passengers walk hide little and seems to have been fitted with little thought.

Sorry just my rant for the day .

[gilesdavies]

I anticipate between 16.2 and 16.3 million passengers will have used Luton Airport this year. Next year could grow to 16.9 million by December 31st! I further think that both Thomas Cook and Jet2 will base a/c at LTN and EasyJet will base a further 5 to 6 a/c. What’s your views?
I think you might be feeling a tad too optimistic, I think the current growth of around 3% is likely to be more realistic for the for seeable future and this could slow slight more to 2%.

Ryanair swooped in a few weeks ago and swallowed up the final two overnight parking spaces on the apron if you're to believe what people are saying on here.
(Which I don't doubt, as they are more in the know than me.)

The airport is getting back to how it was before the expansion, and growth will soon be limited to visiting airlines to the airport, who don't want to base aircraft here overnight, as there is no room left at the inn and all rooms are booked!

Are the south stands adacent to the taxiway now fully occupied overnight? As when I fly through during the day, they are usually empty.

The airport likes to be resourceful, maybe they could start using the engine testing bay to park 2-3 aircraft and potentially open this area up and expand. :}

Being serious, I would suspect now the large capital investment/expansion is coming to the final stages, the exisiting airport operator will be keen to cream as much as they can off of the newly upgrded facilities before having to pump more money in for future expansion. They currently say the terminal has been expanded to handle up to 18 million passengers a years, but once that figure is exceeded they will probably say the terminal is designed to handle 20-22million, and there is no need to expand further!

They did something similar when the terminal before the current expansion was designed to handle 10 million, but in the latter years, quotes came out saying it was designed to handle 12 million.

I think we'll also see potential disagreements between the council and the operator AENA in the not too distant future. As the council are making it very clear they want press ahead and expand the airport further, but I would guess AENA will be happy with the current expansion and want to get some money back from this before expanding further. Maybe they could be persauded if they get a further extension to operating the airport and some favourable terms.

On a slightly different note, but airport expansion related. Isn't the runway more or less at capacity already in the morning and at other peak hours? So if further aircraft could be based at the airport, wouldn't they be restricted to departing before 6am or after 8.30am in the morning?

[LTNman]

Are the south stands adacent to the taxiway now fully occupied overnight? As when I fly through during the day, they are usually empty.

Yes they usually are.

They currently say the terminal has been expanded to handle up to 18 million passengers a years, but once that figure is exceeded they will probably say the terminal is designed to handle 20-22million, and there is no need to expand further!

The airport is limited to 18 million passengers due to planning permission constraints but as LLAL is now planning for a temporary solution to increase the figure to 21 million it will only be a matter of time before it is granted. The airport will then undergo alterations to grow the figure.

Isn't the runway more or less at capacity already in the morning and at other peak hours? So if further aircraft could be based at the airport, wouldn't they be restricted to departing before 6am or after 8.30am in the morning?

The issue is with the taxiway links to the runway and ATC. The taxiway links can be fixed with more turn offs, not sure about ATC though due to issues with London airspace.

[Scrotchidson]

The Runway itself isn't at capacity; if you have an aircraft waiting to depart and one to land continuously you'll achieve 40 movements an hour easily. The number of stands affect the capacity the most, plus taxiway restrictions and of course the outdated London airspace.

[compton3bravo]

So with Ryanair having 6 based, Easy with 25, Thomson 2/3, Wizz 9 that means 43 stands plus the two for cargo. Is that correct? Maybe somebody in the know could confirm p!ease.

[gilesdavies]

Talking of ATC in the London area, I have noticed on the Flight Radar 24 app, over the last year a far higher number of flights into Luton are completely avoiding the London area especially on their approach into LTN...

Any flights originating east of France seem to be kept away from French airspace and purposely funnelled over Belgium and the Netherlands, then over the southern North Sea and they don't seem to make landfall over the UK anywhere south of North Essex, usually around the Harwich to Ipswich area. Where Previously flights would approach from Kent and fly around the London area.

Flights to/from Spain, the Canarys and Portugal seem to be routed out towards to Oxfordshire and leave/enter UK airspace around the Isle of Wight.

Flights that do come over London from the south seem to be kept a lot higher and fly north of the airport to the likes of St Neots, Bedford and Biggleswade to around 10,000ft and then start the final decent from these areas.

[Monkeytennis12345]

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

The airport has published a publicity photo of their new canopy for bus passengers. In the last of the planning application amendments where they seek retrospective planning permission the justification given for not building the full canopy is that it was too high to offer weather protection to passengers. The fact that the dirty white awnings that cover just the entrances only now offers protection to smokers and then it ends only to start again once passengers reach the walkway to the multistory or the bus canopy has been conveniently ignored.

I had great expectations in 2012 when plans were first announced that Luton would end up with a terminal it could be proud of but the airport has relied solely on the shops, bars and food outlets to add a bit of class. The contribution by the airport has been truly shocking with its choice of fixtures and fittings to keep costs to a minimum while offering nothing worthwhile for the customer experience.

Anyone familiar with the terminal on a daily basis will know the airport has a very long history of never fixing broken floor tiles. Even on brand new sections floor layers never go back to fix their work and this is also happening now on the new terminal infill which only opened in April. The result of this is that the flooring looks truly awful and is a patchwork of grey.

The low ceilings with all the services exposed like ducting, pipes and electrical services prominently stand out in silver as they were never spayed black to hide them. With random amounts of large gap planking fitted to the ceilings, which often lay in line with the direction passengers walk hide little and seems to have been fitted with little thought.

Sorry just my rant for the day .


I have to agree. Working over in the Hangar, I see how the works are 'progressing' on a daily basis and those appalling canopies are just the icing on the cake !
What a bloody mess it really is. I can only assume that those who have planned all of the LTN 'improvements' are all employed by GAL or HAL !

[LGS6753]

Does anyone know why the Tarom flights are always operated by YR-BGD or 'E, and not YR-BGA or 'B despite all four having the same configuration?

[Rutan16]

Does anyone know why the Tarom flights are always operated by YR-BGD or 'E, and not YR-BGA or 'B despite all four having the same configuration?

Iasi has one frame out stationed currently “E” seems to be the choice

[Dannyboy39]

Talking of ATC in the London area, I have noticed on the Flight Radar 24 app, over the last year a far higher number of flights into Luton are completely avoiding the London area especially on their approach into LTN...

Any flights originating east of France seem to be kept away from French airspace and purposely funnelled over Belgium and the Netherlands, then over the southern North Sea and they don't seem to make landfall over the UK anywhere south of North Essex, usually around the Harwich to Ipswich area. Where Previously flights would approach from Kent and fly around the London area.

Flights to/from Spain, the Canarys and Portugal seem to be routed out towards to Oxfordshire and leave/enter UK airspace around the Isle of Wight.

Flights that do come over London from the south seem to be kept a lot higher and fly north of the airport to the likes of St Neots, Bedford and Biggleswade to around 10,000ft and then start the final decent from these areas.
Flew MAD-LTN last night and did almost this exact routing. The airports expansion inevitably means more holding over the Letchworth area - we did two circuits of the race track yesterday, but seems to be a common occurrence in the last year or two.

[Spanish eyes]

For anyone arriving too early to check in I can fully recommend the pastime of watching passengers with luggage queuing up like sheep to pass through the terminal fire escapes with only single doors open while standings by the side of the proper sliding door entrances that often just sit there closed, as no one is close enough to trigger the doors. Even when they are open because the airlock has two sets of doors at right angles again people just queue up to use the fire exit. The best bit is that the traffic is in both directions so people has to wait for a gap to go in the opposite direction. Signs saying fire exit only are ignored as are the large signs over the main doors saying entrance and exit.

On a more serious note my pet hate are the amount of smokers who gather around the entrance canopies puffing away while standing by no smoking signs. It just seems to be a Luton thing as I don’t seem to experience this at other airports . Maybe it is because of the lower class of people Luton attracts.

[lfc84]

Arriving into the airport recently my thoughts were that the signage to the car rental transfer bus was non existent until you reached the specific bus stop outside and that there was a lot of bottlenecks / people standing around in the way (inside and outside the airport)

[dvc]

Another day with Essex sector restrictions (LTN and STN shared). 42 movements per hour throughout most of the afternoon.

[Buster the Bear]

Another day with Essex sector restrictions (LTN and STN shared). 42 movements per hour throughout most of the afternoon.

Staffing issues I guess?

[dvc]

Staffing issues I guess?
No idea. I'd say airspace congestion. It's been like that for last couple of days at least.

[wallp]

So with Ryanair having 6 based, Easy with 25, Thomson 2/3, Wizz 9 that means 43 stands plus the two for cargo. Is that correct? Maybe somebody in the know could confirm p!ease.

Does the TUI schedule for summer 2019 see the airline going back up to 3 based aircraft - 2 x 738, 1 x 757?

[Falcon666]

Does the TUI schedule for summer 2019 see the airline going back up to 3 based aircraft - 2 x 738, 1 x 757?

Tui programme at present shows only two based on all days except for Thursday when three are required.

Others.
Alba Star operating Thursday Palma
Travel Service operating Tuesday Tenerife
TBA for Enfidha on Friday and Dalaman on Saturday with away based a/c.

[compton3bravo]

Another new destination starts Monday - TALLINN capital of Estonia operated by Wizz.

[LTNman]

The new service arrives and departs 25 minutes before the Ryanair Stansted flights.

[crunchynutter]

So with Ryanair having 6 based, Easy with 25, Thomson 2/3, Wizz 9 that means 43 stands plus the two for cargo. Is that correct? Maybe somebody in the know could confirm p!ease.

It should look like this fairly soon
Contact stands
main apron
1r-9l=11
60-61=2
north apron
41r-42l=4
east apron
43l-45r=4
46-49=4
Non contact stands
main apron
10-15=8
pond
16-19=4
south apron
20-23r=6
cargo
30-31=2
The cargo stands are very rarely used for pax aircraft so if you dont count them it is 43
Stands 46 and 61 are at the moment still being used by the builders
overnight seems we will be full up
HTH

[LTNman]

The builders are allegedly meant to hand their compounds back to the airport for the arrival of the 2 additional Ryanair aircraft. Can't be bothered to look it up but I think there is always meant be 2 spare stands available.

[bycrewlgw]

Maybe it is because of the lower class of people Luton attracts.

Do you class yourself in that category too? Being a user of LTN...

[compton3bravo]

Many thanks for that information crunchynutter. Wizz really ramping things up now with Lviv starting today and Larnaca increasing to 10 weekly from a daily service.

[Lee Baker Street]

The cargo stands are very rarely used for pax aircraft so if you dont count them it is 43
Stands 46 and 61 are at the moment still being used by the builders
overnight seems we will be full up
HTH[/QUOTE]

It was my impression there were to be 48 stands in total, but of that figure the operator allocates 10% for eventualities which covers two freight stands (part used) plus 3 spare plus 43 regular stands = 48.

[dvc]

Is this a sign that work will soon begin on taxiway parallel to Delta?
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x943/img_20180918_142509_01_a297d55f6ba82516ba6de3bdfe8f0b7619a0d 6e3.jpeg

[LTNman]

Looks like a temporary fence to separate part of the airfield from airside. There has been the odd digger working parallel to Delta for months now just digging random ditches and then nothing for weeks. Maybe this is indeed the start but when Bravo was extended all of the work was kept airside.

Work was meant to have started July as per the tender and includes de-icing pads / pavement https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/tenders/index/view/ref/2018--S__056-123245/previous/page-4-keyword--country-UK-mainactivity--status-Contract%20notice-codenuts-

[Lee Baker Street]

1,733,948 pax. 52,209 pax more than Aug 2017.

Rolling 12 months: 16,088,218.

[BHX5DME]

I make the rolling year 16,270,660 up 2.85%

[Lee Baker Street]

LLA own website stats section claims rolling 12 months equals 16,088,218 pax. However adding up full monthly pax figures from September 1st 2017 up to and including August 31st 2018 the total is 16,178,093. With another member in here quoting a higher pax figure for the twelve months same period it’s confusing to say the least!

[LGS6753]

How are passengers on private aircraft (who don't pass through the main terminal) counted?

[gilesdavies]

Wizz Air to add new Ljubljana flights (https://www.exyuaviation.com/2018/09/wizz-air-to-add-new-ljubljana-flights.html?m=1)
Wizz Air: London Stansted - Ljubljana (https://www.exyuaviation.com/p/wizz-air-london-stansted-ljubljana.html)
So, looking at the above links, Wizz are starting a new route between Stansted and Ljubljana, with the aircraft originating from STN and arriving back at the airport at 1am!

Could we be looking at Wizz night stopping or opening a new base down the road and other routes will be announced shortly?!

Wizz have made it very public that they have been extremely happy with their recent expansion from the UK and how new routes are performing. Could be looking at Wizz wanting to expand quicker than Luton can offer them for the London area, and are now having to look at neighbouring airports to allow expansion?!

As has previously been mentioned, the airport is now more or less full with overnight aircraft, now Ryanair have announced their new expansion with 2 more 738's and now is no room left at the LTN Inn! :eek:

Looks like Ryanair played their trump cards here, by quickly snatching those last two overnight apron spaces! Makes you wonder if it was more a strategical move, than just wanting to expand at Luton?! I'm sure they would deny that is the case. :E

[compton3bravo]

On face value this looks rather odd, aircraft operated just two return flights and lands at Stansted at 1am. Short lead-in time, aircraft to position back to Luton? Aircraft based at Stansted to compete with easy, Ryanair and Jet2? Aircraft moved to Stansted to free up slots at Luton for new routes? More to come I think. New schedules to be announced in a few days when all will be revealed.

[LTNman]

Seem to remember they put a foot in the door at Stansted a long time ago before making a hasty retreat. Wizz though is a different beast now.

[AirportPlanner1]

Seem to remember they put a foot in the door at Stansted a long time ago before making a hasty retreat. Wizz though is a different beast now.

They added STN and LGW to KTW at the same time and quickly dropped both. They currently of course also have an oddball LGW-OTP route.

More routes at STN will be announced for sure, but I’m certain it will be mere overflow until such time as they can obtain sufficient space at LTN.

[planedrive]

As I said on the Stansted thread, it looks more like a mistake on the system. The supposed new route has the same flight numbers as the LTN flights. I'm sure all will be revealed in a couple days.

[pabely]

So is it business back to usual tomorrow, divisions accepted and VVIP flights in the small hours?

[LTNman]

I am somewhat surprised that 6 months into the DART project not a great deal is happening apart from piling at the terminal station and collecting hardcore at Parkway. Certainty nothing seems to be happening regarding the digging out of the route and the construction of the A1081 bridge.

[dvc]

I am somewhat surprised that 6 months into the DART project not a great deal is happening apart from piling at the terminal station and collecting hardcore at Parkway. Certainty nothing seems to be happening regarding the digging out of the route and the construction of the A1081 bridge.
Some digging going on by the fire station (North side), and some prep work between Bravo 7 and Bravo 8 to shift the taxiway when needed I've been told. Cant see it happening before next summer tho.

[gilesdavies]

So is it business back to usual tomorrow, divisions accepted and VVIP flights in the small hours?
Sorry if I sound thick, but I don't really get your post...

Business as usual? Has there been some disruption I am unaware of?

[LTNman]

The DART project will be just like all the other projects and will be finished late. Seems to be a Luton thing that for the first year not much happens and only late in the day do the builds get an influx of manpower.

I took a wonder around the terminal departure lounge and arrivals last week. Still a huge amount of outstanding work particularly in arrivals. Seem’s to be running at least 18 months late on what was meant to be a 3 year build. I would doubt it will be finished this year.

The airport hasn’t been able to let all of its new retail units out. Also the high end shops all have one thing in common and that is they lack passengers, in fact they were all empty for the time I spent watching.

Food outlets seem to do quite well if in the right location. A new one has opened which has access to an outside area but it is located on the route to pier A and was completely empty while just metres away other food outlets were really busy.

[LTNman]

Sorry if I sound thick, but I don't really get your post...

Business as usual? Has there been some disruption I am unaware of?

There was a summer ban on business jet movements overnight and daytime diversions

[dvc]

New domestic arrivals and domestic belt are open now. Most domestic flights are arriving at stands 1R to 2

[LTNman]

Must have opened since last Thursday as they were still using the old belt. The whole area was a disgrace with people looking up at the filthy ceiling that was covered in 30 years of grime and dirt as they waited for luggage.

[dvc]

New belt has been in use for couple of days now.

Also they moving the dirt along D taxiway. Running 3 diggers and 3 dump trucks. I guess flattening the ground for F https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x943/img_20181001_144900_bd5bdaea9c5257d7405933d4cbf81391fb4555f1 .jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x943/img_20181001_145201_398646862fa51b36f98ffaff8bf410b39e1f0915 .jpg

[Falcon666]

I should imagine the work being carried out now for taxiway foxtrot is drainage work.
Attenuation tanks will probably have to be fitted and making sure that Glycol from the de-icing area planned doesn't mix with storm water.
Can't see the start of the taxiway being built for several months yet.

The plans can be seen at LBC planning- discharge condition 14 (drainage assessment-phase 2)

Still nothing about alpha extension though!

[dvc]

Just noticed. Seems like temporary deicing pads have been painted on the south apron.

[Spanish eyes]

It might be soil at the moment but that slope is the boundary of a toxic unregulated council tip that goes back to the 40's. The locals are already starting to kick off about it being disturbed and eventually dug out.

[LGS6753]

I see that on the airport website the Vueling flights are now showing Iberia code shares.