Leeds Bradford Airport has abandoned plans to build a new £150m terminal, blaming “excessive delays” around a decision on whether it could go ahead.
In February 2021, the airport was granted planning permission by Leeds City Council to build the facility that would have replaced its current terminal.
The airport said it would help increase annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million and extend flight hours.
The company claimed the proposals would “deliver one of the UK’s most environmentally efficient airport buildings” but the plans faced criticism from environmental groups, including Zero Carbon Harrogate.
Following the council’s approval, the government decided to “call-in” the plans, which meant it would have had the final say on whether it would go ahead.
A public inquiry was announced by the government’s Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, in January, but no dates had been set.
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LBA said “excessive delays” around the government’s decision to call in the plans led them to withdraw its plans.
Instead, the airport will focus on refurbishing its existing terminal.
Vincent Hodder, chief executive of LBA, said:
“It is with regret that we have made the decision to withdraw LBA’s application for the development of a new replacement terminal.
“As the travel and aviation industry continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, LBA needs to be able to respond to rapidly increasing demand within the next few years.
“Whilst this is a setback for our airport and region, we remain committed to investing in LBA to be an outstanding, decarbonised, modern airport for the future.”
