Plans approved for 'hugely important' terminal extension at Leeds Bradford Airport

Plans for an extension of Leeds Bradford Airport’s (LBA) main terminal building have received the greenlight from Leeds City Council.

The scheme, set to start in Spring 2019, will create a two- and three-storey extension providing larger immigration and baggage reclaim areas, improved departure gate facilities, new retail and food and beverage outlets and additional seating.

It is AMP Capital’s biggest investment in the site since acquiring the airport in October last year.

The project forms part of LBA’s Route to 2030 Strategic Development Plan, which will look to increase annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million by 2030.

When the new building is finished, work will start on re-modelling the existing terminal building to provide a new security central search area, improved check-in facilities and simplified customer journey through the departure lounge.

How the scheme will look from the back (Image: Watson Batty Architects)

The final phase will deliver a new pier to replace the current passenger walkway with a two-storey structure housing arrivals at ground level and departures at new boarding gates on the first floor.

Leeds Bradford Airport chief executive David Laws said: “This is fantastic news for the region’s passengers and the wider economy.

“With work scheduled to be complete in winter 2019/20 we are increasing peak-time capacity to deliver a first-class passenger experience and create an airport Yorkshire can be proud of.”

He continued: “This will allow us to attract a greater range of airlines and support route development, which in turn will deliver additional international destinations that our business and leisure passengers desire.”

Deloitte Real Estate made the planning application on behalf of Leeds Bradford Airport.

Nolan Tucker, director at Deloitte Real Estate and planning consultant on the scheme, commented: “This is a significant step in the successful development of Leeds Bradford Airport. It is hugely important that this gateway to our region reflects its scale and importance to the wider UK.

“This is the first in a series of future infrastructure projects which will improve access to the airport, helping to increase its capacity, deliver tangible return on investment and fuel future economic growth.”

He added: “The role of Leeds Bradford Airport in the City Region’s development strategy cannot be overstated.”

LBA contributes around £336m to the local economy each year and maintains more than 2,350 direct jobs.