Leeds Bradford Airport: A Comprehensive Size Review

Leeds Bradford Airport, located in West Yorkshire, England, is the largest airport in the region and the 13th busiest airport in the UK as of 2022. The airport, which opened in 1931, has grown to serve over 80 destinations and accommodate around 3 million passengers annually. With a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in the local economy, contributing over £300 million and supporting 2,000 jobs directly. The airport has undergone significant improvements, including a £100 million terminal expansion, with plans to increase annual passenger numbers to 7 million by 2030.

Passenger numbers

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is an international airport that serves millions of passengers annually. In 2007, the airport saw 2.9 million passengers, an 88% increase over seven years. By 2022, it was ranked the 13th busiest airport in the UK by passenger numbers.

In 2024, Leeds Bradford Airport unveiled its Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to reach seven million passengers a year by 2030. This ambitious plan is backed by £200 million (US$256 million) in private investment, with the airport planning to increase terminal floor space by 38% and create up to 10 new aircraft stands. The airport's 'Route to 2030 Strategic Development Plan' outlines its commitment to sustainable growth, with a focus on the local economy, environment, and stakeholders.

The airport's existing terminal expansion plans, approved by Leeds City Council in 2019, aim to accommodate up to seven million passengers. However, critics argue that these plans will not enable the airport to increase passenger numbers beyond five million annually. Despite this, Leeds Bradford Airport remains committed to its target of becoming carbon net zero by 2030.

In 2025, Leeds Bradford Airport is set to complete the first phase of its £100 million terminal regeneration project. This development aligns with the airport's commitment to sustainability and regional growth, offering improved facilities and setting new standards in passenger comfort. The expansion will support increased capacity and enhance the travel experience for customers.

Elevation

Leeds Bradford Airport is located in Yeadon, in the City of Leeds Metropolitan District in West Yorkshire, England. It is about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Leeds city centre and 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Bradford city centre. The airport is the largest in Yorkshire and the highest in England, with an elevation of 681 feet (208 m).

The airport's high elevation has not impeded its growth and development over the years. Since its opening in 1931, Leeds Bradford Airport has expanded its facilities and services significantly. The airport has a CAA Public Use Aerodrome Licence (Number P800), which allows for passenger transport and flight training. It operates scheduled flights to various European and domestic destinations, serving Leeds, Bradford, and the wider Yorkshire region.

The airport's elevation has also not hindered its popularity, with Leeds Bradford becoming an increasingly busy aviation hub. In recent years, passenger numbers have grown significantly, rising from 1.2 million annually in 1997 to 2.9 million in 2007. The airport now welcomes over 4 million passengers annually and has set a target of 7 million by 2030.

The elevation of Leeds Bradford Airport is a notable aspect, contributing to its status as England's highest airport. This elevation has not impeded the airport's operations or growth, and Leeds Bradford continues to play a vital role in serving the region's aviation needs.

History

Leeds Bradford Airport, located in Yeadon, England, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The airport was built in the late 1920s and early 1930s on 60 acres of grassland next to the old Bradford-Harrogate road. On 17 October 1931, it opened as the "'Leeds and Bradford Municipal Aerodrome'" or "Yeadon Aerodrome". During its early years, the airport was operated by the Yorkshire Aeroplane Club on behalf of Leeds and Bradford Corporations, with its primary function being general aviation and training purposes.

In 1935, the aerodrome underwent a significant expansion, growing by 35 acres, and on 8 April 1935, the first scheduled commercial flights commenced. Services included routes to Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, and the Isle of Man. In the late 1930s, work commenced on the first terminal, but only the first wing was completed before the outbreak of World War II. As with many UK airports, Leeds Bradford was repurposed for the war effort, and manufacturer Avro established a factory on-site, which became the largest free-standing structure in Europe at the time. Avro produced around 5,515 aircraft before closing in December 1946.

In the post-war years, civil flights recommenced in 1947, and local resident Geoff Rennard, who had campaigned for an aerodrome, established an Aero Club. Rennard was subsequently appointed airport manager, serving for five years. In 1953, Yeadon Aviation Ltd was formed to manage the airport and its Aero Club, and by 1955, destinations such as Belfast, Jersey, and Düsseldorf were added. The airport's popularity continued to grow, and in 1960, scheduled flights to London began, with Dublin soon following.

The airport faced a setback in 1965 when the terminal building was destroyed by a fire, but a replacement terminal was swiftly completed by 1968. Runway extensions in the early 1980s enabled the airport to be classified as a regional airport, and in November 1984, Wardair commenced transatlantic flights to Toronto using Boeing 747s. In August 1986, an Air France Concorde charter flight from Paris landed at Leeds Bradford, attracting a large crowd. Concorde charter flights continued until 2000.

In more recent years, Leeds Bradford Airport has continued to develop and expand. In 2007, the airport was sold to Bridgepoint Capital, and in 2017, it was acquired by AMP Capital, leading to significant improvements in the terminal. With a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, the airport has planned its growth and development with the local community and environment in mind. By 2022, Leeds Bradford had become the 13th busiest airport in the UK, handling around 3 million passengers annually.

Destinations

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is the largest airport in Yorkshire, serving the cities of Leeds and Bradford and the wider Yorkshire region, including York, Wakefield, and Harrogate. The airport operates scheduled flights to many European destinations and a limited number of domestic destinations.

Leeds Bradford Airport offers flights to 76 or 77 destinations in 27 countries with 10 airlines. These include non-stop flights to 4 destinations in Turkey: Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, and Izmir. All direct flights to the last three destinations are operated by Jet2, which is based at the airport. The airline also operates the airport's longest flight—a 1,332-mile (2,144-km) non-stop route to Larnaca, Cyprus, which takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes.

In the UK, there are direct flights to Belfast City, operated by Aer Lingus, and Belfast International, operated by easyJet. The airport also offers flights to London, Edinburgh, Dublin, and other cities in the UK and Ireland.

Leeds Bradford Airport also offers flights to European cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Rome, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, and Prague. In 2008, the airport offered its first scheduled flight to Asia with a route to Islamabad, Pakistan, catering to the Pakistani community in Yorkshire.

The airport is committed to growing sustainably and has produced a "Route to 2030 Strategic Development Plan," which aims to increase annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million by 2030.

Local economy

Leeds Bradford Airport, located in Yeadon, Leeds, is the largest airport in Yorkshire. Around 3 million passengers pass through the airport each year, with this number increasing annually. The airport is a base for airlines such as Jet2.com and Ryanair, which have routes to various European and domestic destinations. The airport is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace and has partnerships with leading global Diversity & Inclusion experts.

In terms of the local economy, the airport has a significant impact on the region. The airport's success is closely tied to the Yorkshire region, and its growth and development strategies consider the local economy, environment, and stakeholders. The airport has produced a 'Route to 2030 Strategic Development Plan', which aims to increase annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million by 2030. This plan is expected to boost the local economy, particularly in Leeds city centre, as more visitors are expected to spend time and money there.

However, the airport's expansion plans have faced opposition from groups such as the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA), who argue that the expansion will lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and contradict the UK's commitment to tackling the climate crisis. GALBA has petitioned and intends to challenge the decision on legal grounds.

Additionally, there are concerns about the economic benefits of the expansion for local residents of Yeadon and the potential impact on traffic congestion. Despite these concerns, some councillors argue that the expansion is an economic opportunity that should not be missed, while others prioritize the climate emergency as the foremost concern.

The airport's elevation of 681 feet makes it the highest airport in England, and it has a CAA Public Use Aerodrome Licence, allowing passenger transport and flight training.

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