UNITED KINGDOM: Luton Airport Registered More Than 1.3 Million Passengers

More than 1.3 million passengers flew through London Luton Airport in April, representing a 16.1 per cent increase compared with the same month last year.

Having enjoyed over three years of continuous growth, LLA is currently making its biggest ever investment to meet soaring passenger demand and grow the airport’s capacity by 50 per cent to 18 million in the next three years.

Last week a major milestone was reached with the opening of a new dual carriageway access road making it quicker and easier to reach the terminal.

Some 3,500 tonnes of tarmac were used in its construction and more than 30,000 m³ of earth had to be moved.

The construction of the dual carriageway follows the construction of a 1,700 space multi-storey car park and re-designed bus interchange.

As part of the redevelopment, LLA is also doubling the current retail space to include 43 exciting new shops and restaurants including some big name brands.

But despite being one of the fastest-growing UK airports, LLA remains the only London airport without direct express-style rail services and is calling for timetable changes which will introduce four fast trains per hour from central London as part of the upcoming East Midlands rail refranchising process.

Nick Barton, chief executive, LLA, said: The Easter getaway always makes for a busy period at the airport but this year saw record passenger demand.

Customers are now starting to see the benefits of our investment, as we transform every area of the airport experience, both in the terminal and off-site through improved transport connections.

Meanwhile, easyJet has launched a new partnership offering customers tours and excursions alongside its low air fares.

In partnership with Get Your Guide, easyJet will offer customers more than 16,000 activities across Europe including destination tours and excursions via a dedicated site.

Activities will also be featured within the easyJet app and through the partnership easyJet has negotiated exclusive offers for its customers.

All tastes are catered for from fast track entry to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, an ancient Rome walking tour to tickets to Harry Potter world at the Warner Bros studios near London all covered by a best price guarantee.

There have now been more than 20 million downloads of the easyJet app and for its users the tours will be completely integrated - allowing customers to browse the best options after booking a flight.

For ultimate ease, most of the tickets are paperless, so customers simply scan a QR code at the tour or activity to gain entry.

Push notifications will also act as a reminder of the booking.

Andrew Middleton, head of ancillary revenue for easyJet, commented: “We are excited to bring together easyJet’s low fares and award-winning digital platforms with GetYourGuide’s comprehensive range of activities to help our customers get the most out of exploring Europe.”

easyJet tours and activities is available to book now, on the app, after flight confirmation, or via the dedicated site - activities.easyJet.com at any time.

Tao Tao, chief operating officer, GetYourGuide, added: “Travel tours and activities are one of the main reasons people book flights, which is why it makes so much sense for GetYourGuide and easyJet to become travel partners.

“By joining forces, we now provide easyJet travellers with an easy way to book amazing experiences both before they go or when they are in destination.

“GetYourGuide looks forward to innovate with easyJet to provide their customers’ with the best travel experiences.”