Airport hits new heights with record passengers

A West Yorkshire airport is celebrating unprecedented growth this year.

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has welcomed over three million passengers so far in 2025, reaching the milestone earlier in the year than ever before. 

Bosses say August is set to become the airport’s busiest month on record, with more than 530,000 passengers expected to travel through the terminal.

Vincent Hodder, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “To be breaking records at a time when we are investing so heavily in transforming our terminal is a real testament to the dedication of our people and the support of our passengers.

“Running a live construction site while continuing to deliver record passenger numbers is no small feat, and I’m incredibly proud of the way our teams have gone above and beyond. 

“I’d also like to thank our customers for their patience as we work to create something Yorkshire can be proud of – a modern airport ready for the future.”

The surge in traffic comes as LBA rolls out a £100 million investment in its terminal. 

The extension will add 83 per cent more seating, uninterrupted runway views and a streamlined arrivals experience, including faster baggage reclaim and enhanced passport control. 

Phase 2 of the project has already begun, refurbishing the existing terminal to modernise facilities and improve passenger flow.

Designed to enhance every stage of the passenger journey, the upgrades aim to futureproof the airport as the region’s international gateway.

Declan Maguire, aviation director at Leeds Bradford Airport, added: “Reaching the three-million-passenger milestone at this stage in the year is a major achievement for LBA, and the earliest this has ever been reached in the airport’s history. 

“This growth has been made possible by our airline partners, who continue to add capacity and expand choice for Yorkshire.

“I’d also like to thank our passengers. 

“Every decision to fly from Leeds Bradford strengthens the case for airlines to grow further. 

“Together, we’re building the network and the gateway Yorkshire deserves, giving people more reasons to fly local rather than face the difficult journey across the Pennines.”

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