Leeds Bradford Airport SCRAPS plans for new terminal
Leeds Bradford Airport has scrapped plans for a new terminal, blaming "excessive delays" and a public inquiry
Last updated 10th Mar 2022
Leeds Bradford Airport has announced it is scrapping plans for a new £150m terminal building, and will instead "upgrade" the existing terminal.
The decision has been taken over "excessive delays" and a decision by communities secretary Michael Gove to hold a public inquiry.
In a statement, the airport said it was now turning focus to upgrading the existing terminal, under plans already approved in 2019.
It said it will "enable it to meet the rapidly increasing passenger demand as the aviation sector recovers from the pandemic".
The plans for the new terminal had come under intense criticism from climate campaigners, who were worried about the impact of more flights and construction.
But they were approved by Leeds City Council in March last year, despite objections from local MPs.
Leeds Bradford Airport said: "LBA remains committed to delivering its 2030 Carbon Net Zero Roadmap and to creating a modern, decarbonised regional UK airport within the extension scheme."
Airport boss responds
Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “It is with regret that we have made the decision to withdraw LBA’s application for the development of a new replacement terminal.
“As the travel and aviation industry continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, LBA needs to be able to respond to rapidly increasing demand within the next few years.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported us in the planning process, from the general public to the business community and councils across Yorkshire. Whilst this is a setback for our airport and region, we remain committed to investing in LBA to be an outstanding, decarbonised, modern airport for the future.”
“My team and I are optimistic about the recovery from the pandemic and about the future of Leeds Bradford Airport”
Meanwhile, West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin said she was "excited" for the expansion of the terminal because it was going to be "Zero-carbon".
But she says the decision is in the hands of the airport and the government, and her priority is to make sure West Yorkshire "remains attractive" to international students and businesses.
Further details of the extension scheme will be released in the coming months.