Campaigners take airport expansion to High Court

Luton Rising, the airport's owners, say building the new terminal will create thousands of jobs

A group campaigning against the expansion of London Luton Airport has been allowed to take its appeal to the High Court.

Luton and District Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (LADACAN) argued the government acted unlawfully when it granted the scheme permission - as the impact on climate change had not been properly assessed.

A judge has ruled LADACAN's legal challenge can be heard in the High Court either later this year or early in 2026.

A spokesperson for Luton Rising, which owns the airport, said it was aware of the decision but "while legal proceedings are in progress it would not be appropriate to comment further".

The expansion plans - approved in April - involve building a new terminal, new taxiways and almost doubling annual passenger numbers to 32 million by 2043.

The government backed the project despite the Planning Inspectorate recommending it should be rejected over environmental concerns.

LADACAN launched its legal claim in May, writing to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to oppose her backing of the scheme.

It later applied for a judicial review.

Luton Rising has said the expansion could create up to 11,000 jobs.

The plans would include building a new terminal and new taxiways and could almost double annual passenger numbers to 32 million by 2043

As well as its concerns about the impact on climate change, LADACAN has argued the decision was inconsistent with the approach taken over Gatwick expansion.

It also said it did not comply with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which requires developments in an area of outstanding beauty to seek further conservation and enhancement.

Andrew Lambourne, the chair of LADACAN, said: "The government is recklessly gambling with all our futures by continuing to permit aviation expansion without credible pathways to meet its net zero commitments.

"Each month brings new evidence of climate change impacts, yet there is still no carbon cap for UK aviation and airports are grabbing what capacity they can while best advice from the UN and the Climate Change Committee is being ignored."

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Following careful consideration, the Secretary of State approved Luton Airport's application to expand its passenger capacity via the construction of a new passenger terminal and additional aircraft stands."

The airport is owned by Luton Borough Council through economic development company Luton Rising, but it is operated by London Luton Airport, a separate company.