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16
Aug 2024
Leeds Bradford Airport shuts down smoking area
Leeds Bradford Airport recently announced it would temporarily close one of the designated smoking areas.
The airport has now said it would close the airside smoking area for passengers from August 19.
It said the area, which is located after security, must be closed off temporarily in order to progress with the LBA:REGEN scheme, which will see the terminal undergo a £100m makeover.
The airport said it understands this will “impact the travel experience of some passengers”, but added "this inconvenience" will facilitate the progress of the regeneration scheme.
It added:
LBA:REGEN is a vital regeneration of our terminal facilities that will dramatically improve the passenger experience and help unlock economic growth for the region – creating 1,500 new direct jobs at LBA and 4,000 new indirect jobs, as well as contributing a total of £940 million to the local economy by 2030.
Hope is not lost for smokers, as they can still use a designated smoking area outside the terminal front before going through security.
Use of electronic cigarettes is only permitted in the designated smoking area, the airport said, adding passengers found smoking or vaping in the terminal could be issued with a fine of up to £2,500 and ejected from the airport – even if that means passengers missing their flights.
The airport did not disclose when the airside smoking area would reopen.
Airport's ambitious plans
The news comes a week after Leeds Bradford Airport announced plans to start operating long-haul flights within the next few years – with destinations such as Boston, New York, Oman and Dubai potentially on the horizon.
The ambitions are part of the airports Vision 2030 strategy, which outlines plans to improve facilities, backed by £200 million of private investment.
Much of the funds will be invested in terminal expansion, which will see a 38% increase in floorspace, as well as refurbishments to the existing terminal.
Work began on the regeneration scheme in April and is expected to be completed in 2026.
Ten new aircraft stands will be installed at the airport, while documents suggest funds could also be put towards a railway station, airport hotel and updated parking facilities.
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