Fire-ravaged Luton Airport car park rebuilt and reopens with new £1.5m transport fund

Luton Airport’s newly rebuilt Terminal Car Park 2

London Luton Airport’s rebuilt Terminal Car Park 2 has reopened almost two years after a devastating blaze destroyed the previous structure and 1,352 vehicles.

An investigation later found the October 2023 fire, which led to the car park’s partial collapse and forced the airport to suspend flights, was started accidentally.

The new five-level facility, which welcomed drivers again today (24 September), provides 1,900 spaces and a covered express drop-off and pick-up zone on the ground floor for quicker access to the terminal.

Airport bosses have also announced a £1.5million Public Transport Investment Fund to boost rail, bus and coach travel to and from the site. The first year’s funding will be used in partnership with local authorities and transport operators to improve sustainable connections and reduce dependence on private cars.

As part of the reopening, the paid-for drop-off and pick-up area moves to the ground floor of the new car park, with the maximum stay doubled to 10 minutes at £7. Blue Badge holders can park for 30 minutes free in Terminal Car Park 1, while electric vehicles can park for 30 minutes for £1 in the same location. Free drop-off and pick-up is extended to two hours in the long stay car park, but there is no drop-off facility in the mid-stay car park.

Airport chief executive, Alberto Martin, said: “We are committed to improving connectivity and to encouraging an increase in the use of more sustainable modes of transport to and from London Luton Airport. As part of our growth plans, we have set challenging targets on public transport use.

“We have begun exploring opportunities for the £1.5million Public Transport Investment Fund to be directed towards local bus services, improved rail connections, and infrastructure upgrades around the airport to encourage more sustainable travel and reduce reliance on private cars.

“By reopening our car park alongside this £1.5million public transport fund, we’re supporting both the immediate needs of our passengers and the long-term goal of improving public transport links to and from the airport.”