Despite warnings from planning inspectors, the government has approved a controversial expansion of London Luton Airport, allowing it to nearly double its annual passenger capacity to 32 million by 2043.
A new terminal and upgraded taxiways will be added, alongside work to boost capacity in the existing terminal.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander backed the scheme, despite the Planning Inspectorate recommending rejection due to environmental concerns, including increased aircraft noise over the Chilterns and disruption to rural areas like Breachwood Green.
Campaigners branded the move "inhumane" and a blow to net zero goals.
Paul Kehoe, who chairs the airport’s owner Luton Rising, said the plan could generate £1.5 billion in economic activity and 11,000 new jobs.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office welcomed the decision as part of a broader push for growth, with similar support already shown for runway expansions at Heathrow and Gatwick.
Operators including Wizz Air and Jet2 are expected to compete for the newly released capacity.