Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has officially opened its brand-new terminal extension, marking a key moment in its ongoing £100 million transformation project. The opening ceremony, held last week, was attended by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, alongside local leaders, politicians and business partners.
CEO Vincent Hodder welcomed guests, including Katie White, MP for Leeds North West, and representatives from organisations such as Leeds City Council, Jet2, Emerald Airlines, Bradford City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Farrans Construction, the CBI and the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
The extension brings a range of improvements designed to make the passenger journey smoother and more comfortable. Travellers arriving at the airport will now experience a redesigned arrivals process, featuring a new baggage reclaim area and upgraded passport control with advanced security systems.
Passengers can also expect more space to relax, with seating capacity increased by 83% and clear views of the runway. New food and drink options add to the overall experience, giving travellers more choice before they fly.
Vincent Hodder said: “It was an honour to have some of our most valued business partners with us to celebrate this historic milestone for LBA. It has been an incredible journey to get here, and we know our customers are now enjoying a completely new experience from LBA. It’s an exciting time for us too; for our employees, stakeholders and business partners, the opening of this building is a huge achievement for all involved.”
MP Katie White praised the investment, calling it a “real boost for West Yorkshire” and highlighting the importance of the airport as a key travel hub for holidays, family visits and work. She said: “We want the airport to reflect who we are: warm, proud, and open for business. A modern terminal creates good jobs and shows visitors what we’re all about.”
Mayor Tracy Brabin added: “It was a pleasure to officially open the new terminal at Leeds Bradford Airport and see the improvements they’ve made for passengers. West Yorkshire is thriving and I am delighted to have a new, welcoming gateway that allows more people to enjoy all our region has to offer.”
With the new extension now open, work has already begun on Phase 2, which will see the refurbishment of the existing terminal. The next stage aims to upgrade existing facilities and further improve the overall experience for travellers passing through the airport.
