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Leeds is home to Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), the international gateway airport for the Leeds City Region and Yorkshire in Northern England. The airport is located in Yeadon, about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Leeds city centre. It is the largest airport in Yorkshire and serves Leeds, Bradford, and the wider Yorkshire region, including York, Wakefield, and Harrogate. Leeds Bradford Airport offers scheduled flights to many European destinations and a limited number of domestic destinations. It is widely used for both holiday and business flights and serves over 80 direct destinations, including several European capital cities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Leeds Bradford Airport |
| Location | Yeadon, City of Leeds Metropolitan District, West Yorkshire, England |
| Distance from Leeds City Centre | 7 miles (11 km) |
| Distance from Bradford City Centre | 9 miles (14 km) |
| Area Served | Leeds, Bradford, York, Wakefield, Harrogate, and the wider Yorkshire region |
| Ownership | AMP Capital (previously owned by Bridgepoint Capital and Leeds City Council) |
| Year Opened | 1931 |
| Former Names | Leeds and Bradford Municipal Aerodrome, Yeadon Aerodrome, Leeds Bradford International Airport |
| Elevation | 681 ft (208 m) |
| IATA Code | LBA |
| ICAO Code | EGNM |
| Busiest Airport Ranking (UK, 2022) | 13th |
| Number of Destinations Served | Over 80 |
| Airlines | Jet2.com, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, TUI, etc. |
| Annual Passengers | Approximately 5.4 million |
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What You'll Learn
Leeds Bradford Airport history
Leeds Bradford Airport, located in Yeadon, a town in the metropolitan borough of the City of Leeds, has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the early days of aviation. The airport, which opened in 1931, has played a significant role in the region's aviation industry and has undergone numerous developments over the years.
In the early 1930s, aviation was still a relatively new and exciting venture, and the airport was initially used for recreational flying and aviation clubs. However, as the decade progressed, it became apparent that the airport could serve a more significant purpose. In 1935, Yorkshire Aviation Ltd was formed, and they set up a flight training school at the airport, recognizing the potential for commercial opportunities. This marked the beginning of Leeds Bradford Airport's transition into a more substantial and more utilized airfield.
During World War II, the airport was taken over by the Royal Air Force and became known as RAF Yeadon. It played a crucial role in the war effort, serving as a base for the RAF's No. 609 (West Riding) Squadron, which flew Spitfire and Hurricane planes. The airport was also utilized for training purposes, with the Air Transport Auxiliary using it as a base for converting pilots to fly many aircraft types.
After the war, the airport returned to civilian use and was developed further. In 1953, a new company, Leeds Bradford International Airport Ltd, was formed to oversee the airport's operations. This company introduced scheduled flights to London and Edinburgh, marking the beginning of Leeds Bradford Airport's transformation into a commercial airport.
Over the following decades, the airport continued to expand and develop its facilities. In the 1960s, a new terminal building was constructed, and the runway was extended to accommodate larger aircraft. This development continued into the 1970s, with further improvements made to the terminal and the addition of new hangars.
Today, Leeds Bradford Airport is a thriving regional airport, serving over 4 million passengers annually. It offers flights to a wide range of domestic and international destinations and continues to play a crucial role in the region's aviation industry. The airport has come a long way since its early days as a recreational airfield, and its history reflects the evolution of aviation in the UK.
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Leeds Bradford Airport's location
Leeds Bradford Airport (IATA: LBA, ICAO: EGNM) 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 about 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 airport in Yorkshire and the 13th busiest airport in the UK in terms of passenger numbers in 2022.
The airport is accessible via A and B roads, and while it is not the easiest to reach, it offers a quieter and less stressful travel experience compared to larger airports. Leeds Bradford Airport operates scheduled flights to various European destinations and a limited number of domestic destinations. It serves over 80 direct destinations, including 12 European capitals. The airline Jet2.com has its headquarters at the airport, and Ryanair also has a base there.
Leeds Bradford Airport has a rich history, dating back to the late 1920s and early 1930s when it was built on 60 acres of grassland next to the old Bradford-to-Harrogate road. It was initially known as Leeds and Bradford Municipal Aerodrome or Yeadon Aerodrome, and it opened officially on 17 October 1931. The airport was largely used for general aviation and training purposes in its early years, with the first scheduled flights commencing in 1935. The first terminal was constructed in the late 1930s, but only one wing was completed before the outbreak of World War II.
During the war, the British aircraft manufacturer Avro constructed a shadow factory near the airport, which became the largest free-standing structure in Europe at the time. Avro produced around 5,515 aircraft before closing in December 1946. In 1947, civil flights recommenced, and Yeadon Aviation Ltd was formed in 1953 to manage and operate the airport. In 1955, new destinations were added, including Belfast, Jersey, and Düsseldorf. Scheduled flights to London began in 1960, and a new runway opened in 1965. Unfortunately, the terminal building was destroyed in a fire that same year, but a replacement was completed by 1968.
In the 1980s, runway extensions were completed, enabling the airport to be classified as a regional airport. Transatlantic flights to Toronto using Boeing 747s commenced in 1984, and an Air France Concorde charter flight landed at the airport in 1986, drawing a crowd of 70,000 people. Leeds Bradford Airport has continued to expand its routes and facilities, serving millions of passengers each year and contributing to the region's thriving economy.
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Passenger experiences at Leeds Bradford Airport
Leeds Bradford Airport is located in Yeadon, about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Leeds city centre. It is the largest airport in Yorkshire and the highest airport in England, with an elevation of 681 feet (208 m). The airport has a rich history, dating back to the late 1920s and early 1930s when it was built on 60 acres of grassland.
The airport caters to families with young children by offering several children's play areas within the terminal. Passengers with disabilities or mobility issues can avail of wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and handicapped parking close to the terminal. Additionally, the airport provides a first aid station with trained medical professionals and ATM services within the terminal. The Yorkshire Premier Lounge is also available to all passengers for an additional fee or through membership programs.
Leeds Bradford Airport has experienced significant growth in passenger numbers over the years, becoming the 13th busiest airport in the UK in 2022. To accommodate this increase, the airport has undergone expansions since 1996, resulting in a larger terminal and improved passenger facilities. The airport has also attracted new airlines and routes, including destinations in Romania, Poland, and Morocco.
In recent times, the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions at Leeds Bradford Airport, with staff shortages leading to lengthy queues. However, the airport has implemented strategies to enhance the passenger experience, including a £100 million regeneration plan to improve accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility. These ongoing developments and adaptations demonstrate Leeds Bradford Airport's commitment to ensuring a smooth and positive experience for its diverse range of travellers.
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Leeds Bradford Airport's busiest periods
Leeds Bradford Airport (IATA: LBA, ICAO: EGNM) is located in Yeadon, about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Leeds city centre. It is the largest airport in Yorkshire and, by passenger numbers, was the 13th busiest airport in the UK in 2022.
Leeds Bradford Airport has experienced significant disruptions due to staff shortages and a surge in passenger numbers following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, during the Easter holidays, the airport witnessed extensive queues, with travellers being advised to arrive at least three hours early for their flights to avoid missing them. Sixty-seven people were reported to have missed their flights due to the lengthy wait times. The airport has also faced criticism for its parking facilities, with some travellers expressing their dissatisfaction.
The airport's challenges during the Easter holidays in 2022 were part of a broader trend across the country, with other airports, such as Manchester Airport, facing similar issues. Leeds Bradford Airport made over 100 employees redundant during the pandemic and subsequently launched a large-scale recruitment drive to address staffing shortages and minimise further disruptions.
In recent years, Leeds Bradford Airport has expanded its destinations, including new routes to Romania and Poland following the transfer of Wizz Air and TUI flights after the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport in November 2022. The airport also announced the introduction of flights to two new destinations in Morocco for 2024.
Leeds Bradford Airport has a rich history, dating back to the late 1920s and early 1930s when it was built on 60 acres of grassland. It officially opened on 17 October 1931 and was initially known as Leeds and Bradford Municipal Aerodrome or Yeadon Aerodrome. The airport has undergone various developments over the years, including the construction of a new runway in 1965 and terminal extensions in the 1980s, enabling it to achieve regional airport status.
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Other airports in Leeds
Leeds is served by Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), which is located in Yeadon, about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Leeds city centre. The airport is the largest in Yorkshire and serves Leeds, Bradford, and the wider Yorkshire region, including York, Wakefield, and Harrogate. Leeds Bradford Airport currently offers flights to over 80 destinations, including European capital cities like London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Rome, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, and Prague. It is also a base for Jet2.com, which has its headquarters at the airport.
Leeds East Airport and Church Fenton are two dynamic communities in one landmark location, offering a range of amenities and opportunities. Leeds East Airport, a gateway to Yorkshire, provides facilities for private aviation, events, businesses, commercial storage, production companies, and meetings.
In addition to Leeds Bradford Airport, Leeds is also served by a smaller airport called Leeds East Airport, located in Church Fenton. Leeds East Airport is a vibrant community that offers a rich history, modern amenities, and exceptional opportunities. It is a popular location for events, commercial storage, and film productions, providing a convenient destination for various needs.
Leeds East Airport is known for its dedicated space called "The Hangar," where they share the latest news, insights, and stories related to aviation, events, and unique experiences. They provide behind-the-scenes looks at film productions, aviation highlights, and curated insights on business, travel, and special events, keeping visitors informed and engaged.
While Leeds Bradford Airport serves as the primary gateway for the Leeds City Region and Yorkshire, Leeds East Airport complements it by catering to private aviation and offering a range of facilities for diverse business and recreational needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Leeds Bradford Airport (IATA: LBA, ICAO: EGNM) is the international gateway airport for the Leeds City Region and Yorkshire in Northern England.
Leeds Bradford Airport is located in Yeadon, in the City of Leeds Metropolitan District in West Yorkshire, about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Leeds city centre.
One advantage of Leeds Bradford Airport is that it is a lot quieter and less stressful than other airports. However, a disadvantage is that it is not the easiest place to get to, and it lacks facilities.
