London Luton Airport has reopened Terminal Car Park 2, nearly two years after it was destroyed in a devastating blaze that caused the partial collapse of the structure in October 2023. The fire, which started in a diesel vehicle, destroyed around 1,352 cars and left the building unsafe, forcing a major rebuild.
The newly reconstructed facility officially opened this week and now provides 1,900 vehicle spaces, including multiple accessible bays. A key feature of the rebuild is the creation of a new covered drop-off and pick-up zone. Passengers will now have ten minutes in the area—double the previous allowance—although the fee has increased from £5 to £7.
Airport officials said the new pricing aligns with other major UK airports, including London Gatwick, which charges the same amount for the same duration. In parallel, the existing drop-off zone at will be replaced with additional bus stands as part of a wider initiative to promote sustainable travel.
To encourage greener transport choices, London Luton Airport has launched a £1.5 million Public Transport Investment Fund. The fund will be directed toward improving local bus services, rail connections, and wider infrastructure upgrades around the airport.
Alberto Martin, CEO of London Luton Airport, said the reopening marked a key moment in balancing the needs of passengers with the airport’s long-term sustainability plans.
“As part of our growth plans, we have set challenging targets on public transport use,” Martin said. “We have begun exploring opportunities for the £1.5 million 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.”
In addition to the changes at Terminal Car Park 2, new provisions have been made across other airport parking facilities. The long-stay car park now offers free drop-offs and pick-ups for up to two hours. Terminal Car Park 1 will provide free 30-minute parking for Blue Badge holders, while drivers of electric vehicles will pay just £1 for the same duration.
These incentives aim to strike a balance between accessibility for passengers and reducing the environmental footprint of airport operations. Airport leaders highlighted that alongside rebuilding efforts, they are working to support more sustainable transport links to and from the site.
The reopening comes as a relief for many travelers and local businesses, who were significantly affected by the loss of capacity after the 2023 blaze. The fire not only caused structural damage but also left more than 1,300 vehicle owners facing losses, prompting insurance claims and prolonged investigations into airport fire safety.
With the rebuilt car park now in operation, London Luton Airport officials hope the upgraded facility will enhance passenger experience while supporting broader efforts to expand sustainable and accessible travel options. For many, the reopening represents a symbolic recovery from one of the airport’s most damaging incidents in recent years.
