Luton Airport
Officially opened on 16th July 1938, Luton Airport during the war years was home to 264 Fighter Squadron and a manufacturing site for the Percival Aircraft Company. After the war the airport reverted to civil use and in 1952 a new control tower was opened. With the birth of "package holidays" Luton airport thrived and in 1969 a survey revealed that it was the departure point for over a fifth of all holiday flights from the UK. By 1972 Luton had become Britain's most profitable airport but in 1974 Court Line, one of the largest airline operators at Luton, went into liquidation which had a major impact on the airport. But it soon recovered.
In 1985 a new international terminal building was opened by HRH Prince Charles and Luton Airport's development and expansion was once more back on track. Following the 1986 Airports Act Luton International Airport became a limited company and in 1990 the airport was renamed London Luton Airport.
Following a period of decline after Ryanair moved most of their business to Stansted Airport in 1991, large investment was made between 1992 and 1996 resulting in a new air traffic control tower, new cargo centre, the extension and refurbishment of the passenger terminal and the installation of a new landing system. Passenger numbers rose from 1.9 million in 1995/6 to 4.4 million in 1998/9 and according to the CAA London Luton Airport became the UK's fastest growing major airport.
Further investment followed with a private-public partnership allowing the airport to remain publicly owned by Luton Borough Council but operated, managed and developed by a private consortium, resulting in substantial new development. A brand new terminal was opened in November 1999 housing 60 check-in desks, "state of the art" baggage and flight information systems and a wide range of shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, the parallel taxiway was extended, six new aircraft stands were constructed, and one of the other taxiways was widened and strengthened. In 2000 the existing terminal building was refurbished, 15 new retail and catering outlets were opened and the airport opened its first ever chapel. As a result, passenger figures continued to rise with more than 6.3 million people using the airport in 2000/01.
In 2003 London Luton Airport opened a new Operations Centre equipped with the very latest in Information Technology (IT) solutions, bringing together the management of its various operational functions including security, apron management & control, passenger transportation and public information services previously handled by separate control centres.

Business Facilities
For the business traveller London Luton Airport has the Aviance Executive Lounge where, for a small charge, visitors can relax and enjoy the hospitality. Hot and cold beverages are available besides alcoholic drinks. Relax whilst watching TV or listening to a selection of music or just sit quietly and enjoy the peace and calm. Free internet acces is available together with pay telephone and fax services. Telephones with Internet access are also available in the Terminal Building. If your visit requires an overnight stay there is the two star Hotel Ibis and the Express by Holiday Inn, both at the airport, or many other hotels in Luton or neighbouring Dunstable and Harpenden.