A recent poll conducted by Focaldata has shown that over five times as many people are in favour of London Luton Airport’s expansion plans than oppose them.
The poll, which was commissioned by Luton Rising, polled a sample of 1,802 adults situated within 40 miles of Luton Airport, with 56% of those asked supporting the expansion, 11% opposing it and 29% neither supporting nor opposing, with the remaining 4% unsure.
85% of those polled stated that the creation of new jobs is a crucial aspect within their support, with a projected 10,900 extra jobs set to be created in the result of the Airport’s expansion over the current provision of 11,000.
83% of respondents agreed that the expansion is important for investment and new business being introduced into both Luton and the surrounding regions, with 82% stating that expansion will bring increased financial support for local community organisations and charities.
Paul Kehoe CBE, Chair of Luton Rising, said:The aviation sector is a pivotal part of the UK economy, and airports represent the physical hub of this economic activity. They provide both direct and indirect jobs, encourage new business into the region, and attract investment into the local area. Our polling shows that people close to London Luton Airport clearly understand the important economic role it plays.
In addition to the polling carried out by Focaldata, a new, community-led petition has garnered more than 10,000 signatures of support from members of the public, local businesses and community organisations.
The proposals are expected to be decided upon before the end of 2025 following a series of decision delays.
Luton Rising Vice Chair Cllr Javeria Hussain said:We’re proud to be the most socially impactful airport in the UK – no other airport comes close in scale to our community investment which transforms lives across the communities we serve. We support a range of local leisure, community health, wellbeing and library services, as well as around 50 local charities, including organisations that assist people in old age, the disabled, tackling mental health and poverty, and victims of crime and domestic abuse.
Expanding the airport will increase our ability to support local people and organisations. Alongside the continuation of our existing funding programmes, a new Community First fund would provide an additional £1 for every additional passenger we welcome due to the expansion, to support projects tackling deprivation and decarbonisation. This means Community First has the potential to raise up to an additional £13 million per year.
