London Luton Airport Unveils 40% Duty-Free Expansion—Immersive Retail & British Craft Take Center Stage

London Luton Airport (LLA) is set to transform its duty-free shopping offering with a major expansion and redesign in partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail. Starting November 1, 2026, the airport’s duty-free retail space will increase by 40%, growing from 2,530 square meters to 3,340 square meters. This expansion will create a more varied, modern, and immersive shopping experience for millions of travelers passing through one of the UK’s busiest airports.

The upgraded duty-free area will feature an expanded main store in the departures terminal, growing by over 40% to 2,680 square meters. In addition, there will be a secondary duty-free store in departures and a store in arrivals, all operating under the long-standing Aelia Duty Free brand. Designed to blend luxury international brands with iconic British and local favorites, the new layout includes prestigious names such as Fortnum & Mason, Creed, Charlotte Tilbury, and Cadbury. A dedicated section for sustainable and eco-friendly products will also be introduced, reflecting the airport’s strong commitment to promoting responsible consumer choices.

One of the standout features of the redesign is the introduction of a bespoke Bottega Prosecco bar, crafted uniquely for London Luton. This premium bar will allow passengers to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while shopping, adding a fresh lifestyle element to the airport’s retail environment. The overarching theme of the new store concept, “Luton is the new cool,” aims to create a shopping environment that is fun, immersive, and rich in local character to elevate the passenger experience beyond a typical retail space.

London Luton Airport’s ongoing partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail, which began in 2005, has been renewed through this 10-year agreement. The collaboration comes at a time of rapid growth for the airport, with passenger numbers increasing from 9 million to nearly 18 million annually. This expansion not only enhances the retail offering but also contributes significantly to local tourism by showcasing British craftsmanship and design. It exemplifies a wider trend of airports becoming destinations themselves through memorable shopping experiences that complement and enrich the travel journey.

Key Points:

• Duty-free retail space at London Luton Airport will expand by 40%, from 2,530 sqm to 3,340 sqm, starting November 1, 2026.
• The main departures duty-free store will grow by over 40% to 2,680 sqm, with additional secondary departures and arrivals stores.
• The redesign includes a unique Bottega Prosecco bar, international luxury brands, British favorites, and a section dedicated to sustainable products.
• The expansion promotes immersive and enjoyable shopping, aligned with the airport’s vision to be “unexpected, immersive, and fun.”
• The partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail, ongoing since 2005, supports continued growth aligned with the airport’s rising passenger numbers.
• The retail expansion enhances local tourism by spotlighting British products and craftsmanship, contributing to a broader trend of airports as retail and lifestyle hubs.