Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has been named as one of the five UK airports most likely to benefit from restored direct connections to London Heathrow if a third runway is delivered, according to a new report by Frontier Economics.
The analysis identifies LBA, alongside Teesside International, Belfast International, Liverpool John Lennon, and Cornwall Airport Newquay, as the strongest candidates for reinstated domestic links based on underlying market demand. For the last twenty years, Heathrow has operated at maximum capacity, forcing airlines to cut domestic slots in favour of long-haul flights. This has left Yorkshire passengers relying on indirect flights through overseas hubs.
According to the data, restoring a route just three times per week could inject £28.6 million in annual tourism spending into Yorkshire and the Humber. This level of economic activity is estimated to support between 450 and 500 regional jobs across hospitality, tourism, and the wider visitor economy, while providing a major boost to local exporters and manufacturers.
Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive Officer at Leeds Bradford Airport, said:
“Direct connectivity between Leeds Bradford and Heathrow would deliver significant benefits for Yorkshire’s businesses, exporters and tourism sector. Reinstating access to the UK’s hub airport would play a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Heathrow expansion presents a significant opportunity for Yorkshire, and the sooner it can be delivered, the better.”
Nigel Milton, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Heathrow, added:
“Domestic connectivity has always been central to Heathrow’s role as the UK’s only hub airport. For many communities, these links are not a luxury, they are a lifeline. With additional capacity, we can strengthen these vital connections and ensure every part of the country can benefit from Heathrow’s global network.”
