Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Luton Airport Expansion

24 March 2021 · 2 other contributors · 3,718 words

Opened by Daisy Cooper Lib Dem St Albans

Responding minister: Robert Courts

TransportClimateEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Daisy Cooper raised concerns about luton airport expansion in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about a 50 percent increase in aircraft movements at Luton Airport from 2010 to 2019, leading to increased noise and health issues for residents.
  • A study links airport noise exposure to increased incidences of heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, negative psychological health effects, and reduced overall wellbeing.
  • The RNAV system introduced in 2015 has intensified noise issues by concentrating flights over specific areas, breaking down trust with local community groups.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Minister what measures will be taken to compel Luton to deliver on real, meaningful noise mitigation promises and speed up airspace improvements to reduce noise impact. Additionally, I request that no further growth in capacity occurs until noise reductions are delivered and sustainable aviation fuel is adopted. Lastly, I urge the Secretary of State to call in the current planning application which would increase the passenger limit.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Daisy Cooper Lib Dem St Albans

I am concerned about the doubling of passenger numbers at Luton airport from 9 million to 19 million between 2010 and 2019, resulting in a 50% increase in aircraft movements. The RNAV system introduced in 2015 has exacerbated noise issues for residents by concentrating flights over the same areas. A study found increased incidences of heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, negative psychological health effects and reduced overall wellbeing due to airport noise exposure. Trust from community groups has broken down as promised improvements have not materialised.

Other contributors (2)
  • Bim Afolami

    Welcoming the opportunity to contribute, Bim Afolami stated there should be no further expansion of Luton Airport due to its disregard for local residents' views. He highlighted a conflict between financial interests and residents' needs, urging the Minister to outline how to stop expansion and update on flight path reorganisation work.

  • Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire

    I want to ensure that the expansion of Luton Airport does not undermine safety standards and environmental regulations. Thanking the hon. Member for St Albans, Richard Fuller argued against the expansion of Luton airport due to its disregard for environmental goals and breaches of noise limitations. He highlighted the conflict of interest between Luton Borough Council and the airport, urging the Minister to halt the consultation on air flight pathways and call in this expansion plan.

Government Response

Robert Courts

It is an honour to serve under the chairmanship of Stewart Hosie. The UK's aviation sector contributes at least £22 billion annually to GDP, supporting half a million jobs. Luton airport provided connectivity with 128 routes pre-pandemic and supported around 30,000 local jobs in 2019, contributing £1.5 billion to the national economy and £500 million locally. The Government support airports making best use of existing facilities but recognise negative impacts on communities; proposals for development should be judged by planning authorities considering economic and environmental impacts. Local people have had opportunities to comment on Luton's proposed application for a second terminal, which is under statutory consultation with the Secretary of State for Transport making the final decision. Concerns about increased overflight and noise due to airspace changes are noted; the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) handles airspace consent linked but separate from land planning. The CAA considers environmental benefits, operational requirements, and community impact when determining proposals, requiring sponsors to engage stakeholders actively. The Government recognise climate change as a pressing challenge; emissions, not flights, are the problem. They have established the Jet Zero Council with industry for zero emission transatlantic flights within a generation. A £15 million green fuels, green skies competition was launched to support sustainable aviation fuel production plants in the UK and establish a clearing house alongside a commitment to consult on SAF blending mandate later this year. The Government are committed to global action through ICAO's carbon offsetting and reduction scheme (CORSIA), advocating for environmental integrity within it. A net zero aviation strategy consultation will be held in the coming months to set out steps towards achieving net zero ambitions by 2050.

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