Leeds Bradford Airport is looking to expand its Yorkshire international connectivity, with plans to secure newer routes to more European hubs. It is also exploring potential routes to the Middle East.
Leeds Bradford Airport’s expansion plans
The airport had announced its expansion plans in August last year with its Vision 2030 strategy. These plans are supported by a £200 million private investment. Part of this investment- a £100 million has been put towards the extension of the existing terminal, which was opened to the general public earlier this year in June.
Airport CEO Vincent said:
“Backed by £200 million in private investment, our plans will create 5,500 new jobs and contribute nearly £1 billion to the local economy as we aim to reach an anticipated seven million passengers a year by 2030.”
The terminal extension saw the addition of new shops and eateries, more seating, a larger baggage reclaim area and immigration hall.
It has also kicked off “a complete refurbishment” of existing facilities with better security and check-in areas, as well as bigger duty-free, retail and arrivals areas.
Boosting Yorkshire’s international connectivity
The airport aims to expand the region’s international connectivity, adding more routes to European hubs and potentially the Middle East. Talking about these plans and the work being done, Hodder further said:
“We are increasing terminal floorspace by 38%, as well as making investments in the existing airfield to create up to 10 new aircraft stands for overnight LBA-based aircraft. These stands are intended to attract airline partners to base quieter and more efficient planes, as well as provide options to introduce new destinations and build upon existing routes.”
“These modern aircraft have, on average, 21% more seats available than the current offering. All in all, this investment makes LBA a more attractive opportunity to a wider variety of airlines, and we want this to be reflected in the choice available to our customers.”
According to Hodder, the demand for air travel is currently underserved in the region. The airport serves four million out of the eleven million journeys that originate from Yorkshire, Hodder added.
LBA’s goal is to increase its passenger numbers to seven million annually by 2030 and nearly ten million per annum by 2045. It is focusing on improving the airport infrastructure to accommodate these higher passenger numbers.
Apart from improvements to the new terminal, runway and aircraft stands, it is also planning to add a new rail station, a new airport hotel and new and improved car parking facilities.
What do you think of these expansion plans? Have you ever travelled through Leeds Bradford Airport? Do share your thoughts in the comments.
