More than 1.3 million passengers flew through London Luton Airport in April, representing a 16.1 per cent increase compared with the same month last year.

Having enjoyed over three years of continuous growth, LLA is currently making its biggest ever investment to meet soaring passenger demand and grow the airport’s capacity by 50 per cent to 18 million in the next three years.

Last week a major milestone was reached with the opening of a new dual carriageway access road making it quicker and easier to reach the terminal.

Some 3,500 tonnes of tarmac were used in its construction and more than 30,000 m³ of earth had to be moved.

The construction of the dual carriageway follows the construction of a 1,700 space multi-storey car park and re-designed bus interchange.

As part of the redevelopment, LLA is also doubling the current retail space to include 43 exciting new shops and restaurants including some big name brands.

But despite being one of the fastest-growing UK airports, LLA remains the only London airport without direct express-style rail services and is calling for timetable changes which will introduce four fast trains per hour from central London as part of the upcoming East Midlands rail refranchising process.

Nick Barton, chief executive, LLA, said: “The Easter getaway always makes for a busy period at the airport but this year saw record passenger demand.

“Customers are now starting to see the benefits of our investment, as we transform every area of the airport experience, both in the terminal and off-site through improved transport connections.”