Luton Airport invested more than £41million with local businesses in 2025, including £25.2million spent directly with companies based in Luton, according to its latest sustainability report.
The figures show the scale of the airport’s economic footprint in the town, with nearly £700,000 also channelled into community projects and charities supporting more than 34,000 local people.
Published in the airport’s 2025 sustainability report, the data outlines spending across works, goods and services with 165 businesses within a 20-mile radius of the airport, alongside investment in skills programmes and environmental initiatives.
The airport says it currently supports around 14,700 jobs, with half of those employed directly by the airport operator living in Luton.
Alongside its economic impact, the report highlights continued investment in education and skills through its “Classroom to Careers” programme, which reached more than 930 young people in 2025. The initiative is designed to introduce pupils and students from primary school through to college to careers in aviation.
Community funding of around £635,000 supported 45 local projects over the year, while more than £60,000 was raised for charity partners the National Literacy Trust and Tokko Youth Hub through the airport’s three-year partnerships.
Alberto Martin, chief executive of Luton Airport, said: “As one of the largest employers in the area, we’re proud of the contribution London Luton Airport makes to Luton and the wider region. Whether that’s supporting local businesses, creating jobs and opportunities, investing in community projects or helping young people develop skills for the future, we’re committed to ensuring the airport’s success delivers real benefits locally.
“At the same time, we’re continuing to invest in measures that reduce our environmental impact while creating long-term economic and social value for the communities we serve. This report highlights the progress we’ve made, the challenges we’re still working through and the actions we’re taking to build a more sustainable future.”
On the environmental side, the airport reported a 40.6 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared with its 2019 baseline, driven by energy efficiency improvements and the transition to a lower-carbon vehicle fleet.
More than 62 per cent of aircraft based at Luton are now classified as quieter, more fuel-efficient “next generation” models, while 89 per cent of operational ground vehicles and all pooled ground support equipment are now low carbon.
Recycling rates reached 81 per cent in 2025, up from 60 per cent in 2019, with the airport maintaining a 100 per cent diversion from landfill. Meanwhile, 34 per cent of passengers now travel to and from the airport using more sustainable transport options, up from 29 per cent the previous year.
David Vazquez, head of sustainability at Luton Airport, said: “As the UK’s fifth largest airport, London Luton Airport recognises the important role that the aviation sector must play in shaping a more sustainable future. The airport’s vision for responsible growth is structured around four interconnected pillars, spanning our teams, our community, our infrastructure and our partners, focusing on reducing and mitigating negative impacts of airport operations, and increasing positive ones.”
The report follows recent recognition for Luton Airport at the ACI Europe Best Airport Awards, where it was Highly Commended for its performance across operations, service quality and sustainability.
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