London Luton Airport will close its runway overnight for nearly five months as part of a major resurfacing project, raising concerns for freighter operators and express logistics firms that rely on night-time slots.
The works, scheduled from 3 November 2025 to 27 March 2026, will see the runway shut Monday to Friday between 01:00 and 05:45 local time.
The final departure will be at 23:40, with the last arrival five minutes later. Services will resume each morning at 05:45.
Weekend operations will continue as normal, and the runway will remain open throughout the busy Christmas period between 19 December and 6 January.
However, the project will temporarily downgrade the runway’s instrument landing system from CAT III to CAT I, restricting operations during poor weather.
This is expected to increase the risk of diversions — a particular challenge for overnight cargo flights, which are time-sensitive.
Luton is a key hub for express freight operators moving parcels across the UK and Europe. The airport said the works are “essential to ensure long-term safety and efficiency,” but industry observers note the disruption could add pressure to supply chains during the winter peak season.
The resurfacing will be enforced on a strict nightly schedule, with no flexibility on closure times, officials added.
