Leeds Bradford Airport reveals new terminal extension plan
Above: David Laws, CEO Leeds Bradford Airport with Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Henri Murison, Director of Northern Powerhouse Partnership.
The region’s biggest airport is planning a multi-million pound, three-storey extension to its terminal building, that once complete, will house a transformed international arrivals process, including immigration, baggage reclaim and customs.
The extension will also accommodate new, larger departure gates, seating areas and new retail and food & beverage outlets.
Once the new building is completed – scheduled for the end of 2019 - works will then commence on re-modelling the existing terminal building to provide a new security central search area, enhanced check-in facilities, and a simplification of the customer journey through the existing departure lounge, which will also include new retail and F&B offers. We expect these works to be complete for summer 2020.
The final phase will include the construction of a new pier, replacing the current passenger walkway with a two-storey structure, housing arrivals and ground level, and departures being processed at additional new boarding gates on the first floor.
As part of its redevelopment plans, the airport is inviting the people of Yorkshire to contribute to the future development of their airport. In addition to a three-week consultation period, airport officials will be hosting a drop-in event at the Britannia Hotel in Bramhope on Thursday 27th September and the proposals will now go through Leeds City Council’s planning process.
David Laws, Chief Executive at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “These really are exciting times for this airport and we are delighted to be able to now share our plans for phase two of our terminal redevelopment.
“This new extension will transform the experience for both departing and arriving passengers whilst also adding a ‘sense of place and pride’ throughout the terminal, as we want to play our part in creating a great first impression for inbound visitors.
“A thriving region needs a thriving airport and we hope the people of our great county will see these latest plans as a real statement of intent as we continue to strive to create an airport Yorkshire can be proud of.
“Work continues to improve our route offering for both business and leisure services and we hope to have more exciting announcements in the near future as we look to open up Yorkshire to new global opportunities.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “The airport is already a major contributor to the city region economy and we welcome this significant new investment.
“It will enhance the experience for existing and new passengers as new routes are introduced. In turn, these will open up additional markets for local businesses.”
Above: The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport, with Simon Whitby, Operations Director at Leeds Bradford Airport (Thursday 2nd August 2018).
Last month, The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport, officially opened phase one of Leeds Bradford Airport’s redevelopment, the airport's new departures lounge. Designed to offer more choice for customers with a modern and vibrant feel, a multi-million pound development has seen the entire departure lounge transformed with additional seating plus a range of new shops, cafes, restaurants, bar areas and airport lounges. The region’s largest airport has also recently been rebranded as Leeds Bradford: Yorkshire’s Airport.
