The latest news on airports globally, with updates on financing, infrastructure expansion and sustainability initiatives.
Luton Rising, the owner of London Luton Airport, has cleared the final legal processes for its long-term expansion plan, allowing the airport to increase annual capacity from 19 million to 32 million passengers by the mid-2040s. The phased development, approved through a Development Consent Order in 2025, is governed by a legally binding Green Controlled Growth framework, which links expansion to environmental limits on noise, carbon emissions, air quality and surface access. Luton Rising says the project could create up to 11,000 jobs and generate an additional £1.5 billion ($2 billion) in annual economic activity, while a new Community First Fund will invest £1 for every passenger above the airport's current 19 million-passenger capacity, providing up to £13 million annually for local communities once full capacity is reached.
Italy's SEA and Chongqing Airport Group have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to strengthen air connectivity between China and Europe, with a focus on developing passenger and cargo traffic between Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Chongqing. The partnership includes cooperation on airport management, passenger services, commercial activities and cargo operations. SEA says MXP handled more than 1.2 million passengers on routes to Greater China annually, with traffic rising 36% year on year in the first half of 2026. The airport is served by seven airlines operating to 11 destinations in Greater China with 60X-weekly flights, while the Chongqing route handled about 50,000 passengers annually, up 10% in the first half of 2026.
Melbourne Airport has released its Draft Master Plan 2027, outlining a 20-year strategy to accommodate 75 million annual passengers by 2047, more than double the almost 37 million handled in the last financial year. The plan includes AU$4.5 billion ($3.2 billion) in privately funded international terminal expansion, upgrades to domestic terminals, new road infrastructure, improved local bus services and provision for the planned airport rail link via Sunshine. It also formalises the 345m Eastern Extension Project to the airport's east-west runway, supporting construction of Melbourne's third runway and future airfield capacity growth.
The Western Australia Government has opened applications for the 2027-29 Regional Airports Development Scheme, making more than AU$3.8 million ($2.7 million) available to support infrastructure upgrades at regional and remote airports. Grants, which cover up to 50% of project costs, can be used for improvements including runways, taxiways, terminals, fencing, lighting, navigational aids and planning activities. Since the scheme was introduced, AU$54 million has been allocated to 336 airport projects, while the previous 2025-27 funding round provided $3.6 million to 12 airports. Applications close on Sept. 4.
Istanbul Airport is nearing completion of its fourth main runway, with temporary acceptance scheduled for August and entry into service targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026 following technical testing. The new 2,820m by 45m east-west runway is expected to increase operational flexibility, reduce taxi times and improve air traffic management, with eastbound departures planned to use the runway when weather conditions permit. Turkey's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure says the project will also support the airport's long-term goal of independent four-runway operations while improving access for general aviation through its proximity to hangar facilities.
Vietnam's Da Nang People's Committee has approved the investment policy for the expansion and renovation of Da Nang International Airport's Terminal 1. The project, led by Airports Corporation of Vietnam, will increase the terminal's capacity to 14 million passengers annually, allowing it to handle both domestic and international traffic. With a total investment of VND11.28 trillion ($430 million), construction is scheduled to begin in August 2027 following a 41-month implementation period. The expanded terminal is expected to enter service in January 2029, with refurbishment of the existing facility due for completion by August 2029. The project also includes new supporting infrastructure, including a multi-storey car park, road improvements, utility buildings and technical facilities.
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