Luton Airport Reopens Rebuilt Car Park Nearly Two Years After Fire

London Luton Airport has reopened its Terminal Car Park 2, almost two years after a devastating fire destroyed the structure in October 2023. The blaze, which started accidentally in a diesel vehicle, caused the car park to collapse and led to the loss of more than 1,300 vehicles.

The new facility provides space for 1,900 cars and introduces a redesigned covered area for passenger drop-offs and pick-ups. Visitors now have up to 10 minutes to use this zone, twice the previous limit, though the fee has risen from £5 to £7. Airport officials pointed out that this pricing matches similar arrangements at nearby airports such as London Gatwick.

As part of wider access improvements, the existing drop-off area will be repurposed into additional bus stands to strengthen sustainable transport options. The changes align with Luton’s £1.5 million Public Transport Investment Fund, which aims to boost public transit use through better bus services, enhanced rail links, and infrastructure upgrades.

Passengers using the long-stay car park will now benefit from two hours of free drop-off and pick-up time. Terminal Car Park 1 has also introduced free 30-minute parking for Blue Badge holders, while drivers of electric vehicles will only pay £1 for the same period.

Alberto Martin, the airport’s CEO, said the reopening represents both a recovery milestone and an opportunity to encourage greener travel choices. “By reopening our car park alongside this £1.5 million public transport fund, we are supporting the immediate needs of our passengers while pursuing our long-term goal of improving public transport connections and reducing reliance on private cars,” he explained.