Leeds Bradford Airport revamp begins

Building work has now started on Leeds Bradford Airport in a bid to improve passenger services in time for the summer holidays next year.

The expansion work is set to cost around £11m and will increase the terminal space by 65% over two floors.

The plans will see new shops, restaurants and a larger departure lounge and duty free added, as well as a covered walkway to the aircraft.

Currently the airport carries flights to 70 destinations, but it is thought with these improvements the airport could attract more airlines and see passenger numbers increase by more than three million.

Leeds Bradford Airport chief executive John Parkin announced the plans on Monday and scaffolding is already up on the outside of the terminal building. He said: “We will be working morning, noon and night ensuring that the work is delivered on time and on budget.”

Many local residents historically have opposed expansion plans but Mr Parkin was keen to outline the benefits that the improvements could bring to the area.

He said: “We want to be good neighbours. We want to run services people want but want to do that in a responsible manner.

“There will always be those who have concerns about an airport growing but that is just one part of the kaleidoscope of issues.

“It does not override local concerns but it goes alongside them.

“A lot of people who live local to this airport also work here.”

Leeds Bradford Airport sustains 2,700 jobs and brings an estimated £98.5m to the local economy.

Lack of airport parking was another reason people opposed expansion plan.

Leeds Bradford Airport parking is availble through a number of providers with Looking4parking.com