Lois Larson
Leeds Bradford Airport is the largest airport in Yorkshire, located in Yeadon, about 7 miles northwest of Leeds city centre and 9 miles northeast of Bradford city centre. It is a base for Jet2.com and, in 2022, was the 13th busiest airport in the UK by the number of passengers handled. The airport has received mixed reviews, with some praising its convenience and small size, while others criticise its overcrowding, long queues, and poor staff behaviour. The airport has undergone significant improvements since 2017, with plans to increase annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million by 2030.
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What You'll Learn
Leeds Bradford Airport is the largest airport in Yorkshire
The airport has a rich history, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s when it was built on 60 acres of grassland. It officially opened on October 17, 1931, as the Leeds and Bradford Municipal Aerodrome or Yeadon Aerodrome. Initially, it was used for general aviation and training purposes, with the first scheduled flights taking off in April 1935. Over the years, the airport has undergone various developments, including the construction of runways and terminals, to accommodate growing passenger traffic.
Leeds Bradford Airport offers scheduled flights to several European and domestic destinations. It is a base for Jet2.com, which has its headquarters at the airport. In 2022, Leeds Bradford was the 13th busiest airport in the UK by passenger numbers. The airport has a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, working closely with local communities and consulting on future plans.
Reviews of Leeds Bradford Airport are mixed. Some passengers appreciate its convenience, small size, and good flight routes. However, others have criticised the airport for long queues, inadequate seating, and poor staff attitudes. There are also concerns about the high parking charges and the lack of modern facilities. Despite the negative feedback, the airport has a dedicated staff who strive to provide assistance and ensure a positive travel experience.
With ongoing improvements and a focus on sustainability, Leeds Bradford Airport continues to serve the Yorkshire region, connecting it to the rest of the world. The airport's development plans aim to increase annual passenger numbers and enhance its facilities, ensuring a more efficient and enjoyable travel experience for its customers.
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It has a reputation for long security queues
Leeds Bradford Airport is a small airport located in Yeadon, about 7 miles from Leeds city centre and 9 miles from Bradford city centre. It is the largest airport in Yorkshire and the 13th busiest airport in the UK by passenger numbers in 2022.
The airport has a reputation for long security queues, with some passengers reporting that they have had to wait for a long time to get through security, even when travelling in business class. One passenger noted that the Yorkshire lounge was closed without any prior announcement, leaving limited seating options in cold areas near gates 9 and 10.
Other reviews mention that the airport is "overly busy and too small for the volume of passengers", with not enough seating available in the departure lounge. The terminal is not very big, and at peak times, it can get quite crowded, contributing to the long queues.
Some passengers have also reported issues with a shortage of trays needed for security checks, adding to the delays and causing frustration. The staff's handling of such situations has also received criticism, with reports of rude and disrespectful behaviour.
However, it is worth noting that not all experiences are negative. Some travellers appreciate the convenience of the airport's location and the shorter overall travel time compared to larger airports.
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It's an expensive airport for drop-offs and parking
Leeds Bradford Airport is an expensive airport for drop-offs and parking. The airport charges £7 for drop-offs, which many people have complained about in reviews. One review mentions that they were charged £12.50 for a 25-minute drop-off. The airport also charges for parking, with a rate of £7 for the first hour and increasing thereafter.
To avoid these charges, some people choose to drop off passengers on the little road at the bottom of the car park instead of using the designated drop-off zone. Additionally, those picking up passengers are advised to be careful, as driving through the car park more than once while waiting can result in additional charges. The airport records the registration number of vehicles on entry and can identify if the same vehicle returns within a short period.
The high charges for drop-offs and parking at Leeds Bradford Airport can be a significant inconvenience for travellers and their companions. It is important for visitors to be aware of these expenses and plan accordingly to avoid unexpected costs.
While the airport's location, about 7 miles from Leeds city centre and 9 miles from Bradford city centre, offers convenience for those in the region, the parking and drop-off fees can be a significant drawback. The airport's small size and limited facilities have also been noted in reviews, with some describing it as ""overly busy and too small for the volume of passengers."
Despite the expensive drop-off and parking fees, Leeds Bradford Airport remains a popular choice for travellers in the region, particularly those residing in Leeds, Bradford, and the wider Yorkshire area. It is the largest airport in Yorkshire and the 13th busiest airport in the UK in terms of passenger numbers in 2022.
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The airport has a range of shops, bars and cafes
Leeds Bradford Airport has a range of shops, bars, and cafes to suit various needs and preferences. The airport terminal has undergone significant improvements, including enhancing the range of commercial offerings available to travellers.
On the ground floor, passengers can find a WHSmith, a Superdrug, and a couple of coffee bars. There is also a nice viewing area upstairs where travellers can see the planes taking off and landing while enjoying their drinks and snacks. Additionally, there is a Burger King and a Yate's Bar located upstairs.
After passing through security, travellers have access to another WHSmith, a Duty-Free shop, a bar, and a few cafes. This variety of options ensures that passengers can purchase last-minute items, enjoy a meal or beverage, and even take advantage of duty-free shopping before their flights.
The airport is committed to continuously improving its facilities and services. Its 'Route to 2030 Strategic Development Plan' aims to increase annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million by 2030, indicating a focus on growth and accommodating a larger volume of travellers.
While some reviews mention overcrowding and limited seating, the airport's ongoing development plans and commitment to improvement suggest that they are working towards enhancing the overall experience for travellers, including providing a diverse range of shops, bars, and cafes.
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It's a small airport with a lot of passengers
Leeds Bradford Airport is a small airport with a significant number of passengers. It is located in Yeadon, about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Leeds city centre and 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Bradford city centre. The airport serves Leeds, Bradford, and the wider Yorkshire region, including York, Wakefield, and Harrogate. It is the largest and busiest airport in Yorkshire, handling around four million passengers annually and ranking as the 13th busiest airport in the UK in 2022.
The airport has undergone improvements since being acquired by AMP Capital (now InfraBridge) in 2017. However, some passengers have criticised the airport for long queues, inadequate seating, and a lack of modern facilities. The terminal is relatively small, and during peak times, it can become overcrowded with limited seating available.
Leeds Bradford Airport offers scheduled flights to various European and domestic destinations. It is a base for Jet2.com, which has its headquarters at the airport. The airport has a CAA Public Use Aerodrome Licence, enabling passenger transport and flight training operations.
Despite its size, Leeds Bradford Airport faces challenges in accommodating the high volume of passengers. Some travellers have reported positive experiences, highlighting the convenience of the airport's location and the ease of reaching their destinations. However, others have expressed concerns about the airport's capacity, with reviews mentioning long walks, limited facilities, and inadequate staffing levels to manage passenger traffic.
The airport has recognised the need for development and has created the 'Route to 2030 Strategic Development Plan', aiming to increase annual passenger numbers to seven million by 2030. This plan underscores the airport's commitment to growth and improvement while serving the local communities sustainably.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport has a WHSmiths, a Superdrug, a few coffee bars, a Burger King, and a Yate's Bar before security. After security, there is another WHSmiths, a duty-free shop, a bar, and a couple of cafes. There is also a viewing area where you can watch planes take off and land.
The airport offers a shuttle bus service, but some reviews mention that it can be slow. There is also a drop-off zone, but it is quite expensive at £7 for a short period. The airport is located about 7 miles from Leeds city centre and 9 miles from Bradford city centre.
Reviews are mixed, with some people mentioning rude and unhelpful staff, while others have found the staff to be very helpful in times of need. Security queues can be long, especially during busy times.
Leeds Bradford Airport has a commitment to protecting the environment and consulting on future plans. They have a plan to manage aircraft noise and are working with Leeds City Council to address queries related to their CLEUD applications.
Some people prefer Leeds Bradford Airport over Manchester Airport as it is smaller and less stressful. However, others have mentioned that it can feel overcrowded and too small for the volume of passengers, especially compared to the larger and airier Manchester Airport.
