Reflecting on lockdown

As you walk around our once bustling airport, the impact of the pandemic becomes very clear. Every part that lays still is a stark reminder of the jobs and livelihoods affected. The empty hotels and offices, a reminder of the millions of pounds that are, for now at least, no longer flowing into the local economy.

At the start of 2020, London Luton Airport (LLA) was breaking records with growing passenger numbers and more flights to more destinations. But almost overnight, all of that changed.

A year on since the national lockdown was first implemented, I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for LLA and of course the aviation industry as a whole.

At LLA, passenger numbers in those first few months of lockdown fell by 98%. The silence in the terminal was deafening. The deserted check-in hall, idle luggage carousels and empty shops created an almost post-apocalyptic scene. In my two decades of running airports, nothing could have prepared me for the scale of this crisis.

As you walk around our once bustling airport, the impact of the pandemic becomes very clear. Every part that lays still is a stark reminder of the jobs and livelihoods affected. The empty hotels and offices, a reminder of the millions of pounds that are, for now at least, no longer flowing into the local economy.

But something else has also stood out this year. The sheer dedication and tenacity of my team. Their desire to support their local community has been exemplary from day one with many signing up to volunteer with local organisations – most recently more than a 100 have stepped up to support the vaccination roll out. They’ve helped the NHS set up testing facilities, supported RAF training and of course worked tirelessly to keep passengers safe, with LLA becoming the first UK airport to be awarded an Airport Health Accreditation by Airport Councils International (ACI). I am incredibly proud of everything they have achieved in the face of such adversity.

As CEO there is simply nothing I want more than to see our airport thriving again, so it can continue to support and connect the millions who rely on it. A successful aviation industry is essential to underpin our island nation post Brexit, and to the nation’s economic recovery.

Public Health must and will always come first. The Government’s roadmap out of lockdown means there is hope that travel will resume again soon, and I am confident that the demand for air travel will return along with it. That’s why we’re seeking a risk-based approach to reopening borders. While there may be a challenging period to overcome before we fully recover, I have no doubt that the efforts of everyone in the LLA family will ensure that we do.