Plans revealed for Leeds Bradford Airport terminal extension

Leeds Bradford Airport is announcing multi-million pound plans for a state of the art terminal extension.

They hope it'll transform the experience for departing and arriving passengers with work set to be completed by summer 2020.

Once the new building is completed – scheduled for the end of 2019 - works will then commence on re-modelling the existing terminal building to provide a new security central search area, enhanced check-in facilities, and a simplification of the customer journey through the existing departure lounge, which will also include new retail and F&B offers. We expect these works to be complete for summer 2020.

The final phase will include the construction of a new pier, replacing the current passenger walkway with a two-storey structure, housing arrivals and ground level, and departures being processed at additional new boarding gates on the first floor.

As part of its redevelopment plans, the airport is inviting the people of Yorkshire to contribute to the future development of their airport. In addition to a three-week consultation period, airport officials will be hosting a drop-in event at the Britannia Hotel in Bramhope on Thursday 27th September and the proposals will now go through Leeds City Council’s planning process.

David Laws, Chief Executive at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “These really are exciting times for this airport and we are delighted to be able to now share our plans for phase two of our terminal redevelopment.

“This new extension will transform the experience for both departing and arriving passengers whilst also adding a ‘sense of place and pride’ throughout the terminal, as we want to play our part in creating a great first impression for inbound visitors.

“A thriving region needs a thriving airport and we hope the people of our great county will see these latest plans as a real statement of intent as we continue to strive to create an airport Yorkshire can be proud of.

“Work continues to improve our route offering for both business and leisure services and we hope to have more exciting announcements in the near future as we look to open up Yorkshire to new global opportunities.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “The airport is already a major contributor to the city region economy and we welcome this significant new investment.

“It will enhance the experience for existing and new passengers as new routes are introduced. In turn, these will open up additional markets for local businesses.”

Sir Gary Verity DL, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “This is fantastic news for Yorkshire, bringing great benefits to both leisure and business travellers as well as the wider economy. David Laws and his team are to be applauded for the positive changes they are bringing to Leeds Bradford Airport. These latest plans are symptomatic of the scale of their vision and overall ambition to make the airport one the whole county can be proud of. Passengers will soon experience an airport truly fit for the 21st century.”

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake, said: “We very much welcome these plans for a terminal extension and improved facilities at Leeds Bradford Airport, and we look forward to seeing them come forward for full consideration by Leeds City Council’s plans panel. The airport is a key element of the Leeds and wider regional economy, and we are fully committed to supporting its growth.”

Henri Murison, Director of Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “The Northern Powerhouse future relies on connectivity, whether it be in transport terms to key European export markets by flight to digital connectivity. This investment by Leeds Bradford Airport here in Yorkshire is a sign of their confidence and commitment to helping businesses here to grow and attracting inward investment.

“At the same time, we see commitment from city leaders and the combined authority to improve the journey to the airport with a link planned on the Leeds to Harrogate rail line. This is why the airport will keep growing the number of destinations available to business and leisure travellers – transformed facilities and lounges already, more capacity and more choice on how to get here from across the region.