From the 1950s and 1960s, Luton Airport experienced an increase in business as a result of the growing package holiday market.

Although the new station was closer to the airport – 1 mile (1.6 km) to the west – it was still necessary to run a shuttle bus transfer service.

[13] It was envisaged that the introduction of a light-rail link would reduce the journey time between London St Pancras and the airport terminal to less than 30 minutes.

[15][16] Construction work commenced in April 2018, contracted to a VolkerFitzpatrick / Kier Group joint venture.

[21] In December 2019, a ready-constructed, 80-metre (260 ft)-long, 1,000-tonne (980-long-ton; 1,100-short-ton) curved bridge was moved into place over the A1081 road on large jacks.

[22] Construction work on the line was halted briefly in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic over concerns related to Coronavirus Health Protection Regulations, but resumed after a safety assessment.

[23] The cable propulsion system was completed in February 2020 and work then began to install the people mover vehicles on the guide rails.

In August of that year, reports emerged of problems experienced with the traction or the pulley system during testing, and that a DART vehicle had become derailed.

[35][36][37] The 2.1 km (1.3 mi) DART line begins at Luton DART Parkway, a purpose-built station adjoining Luton Airport Parkway railway station, which provides an interchange with East Midlands Railway and Thameslink passenger rail services.

After crossing the A1081 road, the vehicles curve eastwards along a 1.1 km (0.68-mile) cutting and concrete trough before entering a 350-metre cut-and-cover tunnel under the airport apron.

The eastern airport terminus is located at a new subterranean station underneath the drop-off area in front of the terminal building.

[40] East Midlands Railway services between London St Pancras and Corby, previously branded as "EMR Connect", were rebranded to "Luton Airport Express" following the opening of the DART.

[14][45] Thameslink also provides service to Luton Airport Parkway, with six trains an hour calling at the station in both directions during the day.