Leeds Bradford Airport begins terminal regeneration scheme

Leeds Bradford Airport has officially marked the start of construction work on its new terminal regeneration.

The privately funded £100 million development, known as LBA:REGEN, will transform LBA’s existing terminal building into a ‘modern, efficient and sustainable facility’, according to a press release by the airport today.

The release added the development would “enhance passenger experience and supporting the region’s economic growth”.

LBA:REGEN will deliver a 9,500 square metre, three-storey extension to the existing terminal, alongside a significant refurbishment of current facilities.

There will be additional aircraft stands, more seating, faster security, new shops and eateries, a larger baggage reclaim area and immigration hall, and improved access for passengers with restricted mobility.

Farrans Construction is delivering the first phase of the project.

This phase includes the construction of a new UK Border Force immigration facility and international baggage reclaim hall, as well as expanded retail and international departure lounge facilities.

Phase two will include an enlarged central search and check-in areas, alongside larger duty free, retail and arrivals areas.

Construction work is expected to be completed in 2026.

According to the airport, LBA:REGEN has the potential to create 1,500 new direct jobs at the airport and 4,000 new indirect jobs by 2030.

Airport chief executive Vincent Hodder said:

“This ground breaking is a significant moment in LBA’s history, representing the culmination of thousands of hours of planning, consultation and design.

“As one of Yorkshire’s most significant infrastructure projects, we and our passengers are immensely excited to see it develop in the coming months. Once complete, this project will deliver the airport that our passengers, airlines and region need and deserve.”

Photo: Leeds Bradford Airport chief executive Vincent Hodder with Farrans Construction staff and LBA apprentices.

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Business Breakfast: LNER orders cleaner new trains

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London North Eastern Railway (LNER), the train operator that runs services between Harrogate, Leeds and York, has named Spanish company CAF as the successful bidder to deliver a fleet of 10 new tri-mode trains.  

The trains will be able to operate in electric, battery or diesel mode, and can help cut emissions and particulates, and lower maintenance and operating costs. 

Battery power reduces the need to use diesel traction in areas such as the Harrogate district, where overhead powerlines are not available. It also reduces noise and vibration pollution, resulting in less disruption for people living near the tracks. 

David Horne, managing director at LNER, said:  

“Successfully delivering this new fleet is an integral part of LNER’s business plan. Our focus is ensuring we create a fleet that truly matches the needs of all our customers, with clear targets on setting new standards for comfort, accessibility, and exceptional customer service.” 

The new trains will be added to LNER’s fleet of 65 Azuma trains and will keep the company on track to reduce its emissions by 67 per cent by 2035 and be net zero by 2045.

LNER operates services between London and Edinburgh on the east coast mainline, as well as connected routes to Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Middlesbrough, Bradford, Skipton, Harrogate, Hull and Lincoln.

Airport cruises towards net zero

The Harrogate district’s local airport has been awarded a five-star rating by the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark.

Leeds Bradford Airport achieved a score of 95% – its highest to date – increasing its rating by 79% since taking part for the first time in 2018.

An independent organisation, GRESB provides validated environmental, social and governance data for property and infrastructure businesses globally. To achieve a rating, businesses must complete an online assessment by providing raw monitoring data, as well as submitting evidence, in the form of certificates, policies and procedures.

Tracey Stevenson, sustainability manager at Leeds Bradford Airport, said:

“We are so proud to have seen an improvement to our GRESB score again this year. To rank second out of 10 UK airports is just a testament to how hard we strive year after year to keep improving.

“We see GRESB as a really valuable tool which not only allows us to benchmark our practises against other businesses but to uncover ways that we can improve processes to make the airport a great place for our colleagues and customers.”

Since 2018, LBA has improved energy efficiency both inside the terminal and out on the airfield, reduced the carbon emissions it produces directly by 67%. All electricity currently supplied to the airport is from 100% renewables.

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Leeds Bradford Airport re-opens but storm continues to disrupt rail services

Leeds Bradford Airport has re-opened after a plane veered off the runway in yesterday’s storm Babet.

The TUI Airways flight from Corfu went off the runway and onto the grass after landing at around 1.53pm in heavy rain. None of the  195 passengers and crew were injured.

The LBA team said it and its partners had worked tirelessly throughout the night in torrential conditions to recover the aircraft in order to safely reopen the runway and airport.

The airport put out this statement at 12.30 today.:

Passengers travelling should contact their airline to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport as there will be continuing disruption.

We understand the significant disruption and inconvenience for passengers departing for their holidays and returning home. We are grateful for the patience and understanding our passengers and business partners have shown during this difficult time.

It thanked staff and passengers for their patience:

We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in supporting the effort dealing with the incident, disruption and recovery of the aircraft in exceptionally difficult conditions.

Once again, we would like to thank our passengers for their cooperation and understanding during this challenging period.

LNER warns people not to travel

LNER meanwhile, has warned rail passengers not to travel today as the severe weather continues to cause major disruption to services.

In a statement LNER said:

Due to ongoing flooding of the route between Doncaster and Wakefield, speed restrictions in Scotland and trains and crews being out of position following yesterday’s extensive disruption, an extremely limited service is in operation and services may be subject to short-notice cancellation.

There are no LNER services operating north of Edinburgh. Due to road closures, rail replacement is not available.  Other train operators are also subject to disruption.

Tickets will be valid for travel between Monday 23 October and Friday 27 October 2023 or fee free refunds will be possible from the original point of purchase.

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Leeds Bradford Airport closed after plane skids off runway

Leeds Bradford Airport has closed after a plane arriving from Corfu came off the runway this afternoon.

The TUI Airways flight is believed to have overrun the runway and veered onto the grass taxiway at around 1.53pm.

Emergency services are at the scene. No injuries or fires have been reported.

Leeds Bradford Airport issued a statement saying:

“We can confirm the airport is now closed.

“We ask passengers to contact their airline to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.

“There are no reported injuries from today’s incident and all passengers have now safely disembarked the aircraft.”

Pic: pipsqueek01/cat_cutmore/BantamDxn on Twitter.

A spokesperson for TUI added:

“We are aware of an incident at Leeds Bradford Airport this afternoon, in which upon landing flight TOM3551 slightly veered off while turning into the taxiway.

“There are no reported injuries, and our ground team are on hand to support passengers as they disembark.”

The aircraft landed amid Storm Babet – a weather warning of wind and rain that has hit the UK.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement at 1.57pm:

“Remaining crews are now assisting in evacuating all persons from the aircraft to the terminal.”

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Leeds Bradford Airport announces £100m terminal regeneration plan

Leeds Bradford Airport has announced a £100 million plan to regenerate its sole terminal.

The project will see a 9,500 sq. metre, three-storey extension to the existing terminal, alongside a significant refurbishment of the current terminal building.

It will also create additional aircraft stands, more seating, faster security, new shops and eateries, and a larger baggage reclaim area and immigration hall, as well as improved access for passengers with restricted mobility.

The project would help the airport decarbonise its operations and meet its net zero ambitions with the installation of new heating, lighting and machinery, including new baggage belts.

Vincent Hodder, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: 

“This announcement marks the beginning of a new era for Leeds Bradford Airport.

“This investment will give us the infrastructure needed to deliver an outstanding customer experience, support the growth of our airline partners, enhance connectivity for business, investment and trade and provide the airport that Leeds, Bradford and Yorkshire have been waiting for.

“LBA is a key asset for our region and our community, our investment enhances and supports broader investments underway in Leeds and Bradford creating new jobs, new opportunities and shared benefits for our community.”

Inside the new Leeds Bradford Airport terminal.

Inside the new Leeds Bradford Airport terminal.

The airport has appointed Belfast-based Farrans Construction to deliver the first phase of the project, which will see the terminal extended.

LBA estimates that the scheme has the potential to create 1,500 new direct jobs at the airport and 4,000 new indirect jobs, as well as contribute a total of £940 million to the local economy.

Work will start on the terminal in autumn this year and is expected to be compete in 2026.

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Leeds Bradford completes inaugural TUI flight to Dubrovnik

Leeds Bradford Airport has completed its inaugural TUI flight to Dubrovnik in Croatia.

The first flight of the the new summer route departed yesterday at 1.55pm and will be followed by weekly flights operated by the airline.

In addition to Dubrovnik, TUI will increase the number of flights from Leeds Bradford to Turkish destinations Antalya and Dalaman. From May 24, twice weekly flights will depart to both destinations.

Leeds Bradford has 80 destinations on its 2023/24 schedule.

Nicola McMullen, aviation director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said:

“We’re thrilled to launch Dubrovnik and offer more holiday destinations than ever before at LBA.

“These routes are proven to be popular amongst customers for good reason and we’re pleased that we’re able to meet demand from across the region with increased capacity.”

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Leeds Bradford Airport begins flights to Porto and Perpignan

Leeds Bradford Airport has begun flights to Porto in Portugal and Perpignan in France.

The first flights ever to these destinations from Leeds Bradford took to the skies yesterday.

The airport has a record 80 destinations on its schedule for 2023/2024.

The Perpignan route is handy for rugby league fans as the Catalan Dragons’ stadium is a six-minute drive from Perpignan Airport.

Porto has become a popular city break for holidaymakers due to its culture and gastronomy in a coastal setting.

Flights to Perpignan and Porto will operate until the end of October this year.

Nicola McMullen, aviation director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said:

“These new routes have already sold incredibly well and we’re sure that both routes will continue to be popular alongside our wider schedule throughout the year.”

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Leeds Bradford Airport reveals new destinations for 2023

Leeds Bradford Airport has announced it will offer a record-breaking 80 destinations in 2023 and 2024.

New routes include Bergen in Norway, Porto in Portugal and Perpignan in France.

Recent additions of Katowice in Poland, Bucharest in Romania and Cluj in Romania will continue along with popular favourites such as Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Faro in Portugal and Palma in Majorca remain on the itinerary.

In a press release today, the airport said it had made “significant investment to its terminal”, including a redevelopment of Hall A facilities and improved facilities in the check-in hall, which services all airlines apart from Jet2.

Leeds Bradford Airport

John Cunliffe, commercial and strategy director at LBA, said:

“With the broadest range of destinations ever, we know that the coming years will be fantastic for LBA passengers. Whether it’s holidaymakers returning to their favourite beaches, travel to see distant family or adventures to new countries, there is something for everybody.”

Further details are available here.

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Leeds Bradford Airport announces new flights to Turkey and Croatia

A holiday operator has announced new flights to Turkey and Croatia from Leeds Bradford Airport following the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

TUI said it would now operate flights to Antalya and Dalaman, both in Turkey, and Dubrovnik in Croatia from Leeds-Bradford.

The airport, which is used by people across the Harrogate district, described the announcement as “exciting news”.

https://twitter.com/LBIAirport/status/1574427245481005057

 

TUI added the destinations from LBA after it was announced that Doncaster Sheffield Airport would close.

The last flights are due in November and the new Leeds Bradford destinations are expected to start in summer next year.

The holiday operator has also increased flights at Manchester and East Midlands airports following the decision.

Peel Group, which owns DSA, announced the closure after it said the airport was “not viable due to its lack of adequate forward revenues and high operating costs”.

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Passengers faced with ‘significant queues’ at Leeds Bradford Airport

Passengers were faced with long queues at Leeds Bradford Airport this morning.

Staff worked their way down the queue, which is pictured above at 5.30am, to get people onto their flights.

Passengers reported that people were queuing “all the way through the building”.

It comes as Leeds Bradford Airport recently apologised for the ongoing issue at terminals earlier this week.

One passenger, who did not wish to be named, told the Stray Ferret that staff were doing their best to tackle the problem.

They said:

“There has been significant queues.

“The system is better now, but people should get here early. The staff were really trying their best to get the queues down.”

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The passenger added that those queuing at 5.30am managed to make their flights.

It comes as airports across the country continue to deal with passenger numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Earlier this week, Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, issued an apology for the queues at terminals.

“I’m sorry for all passengers that have had a negative experience travelling at LBA in recent weeks and want to assure everybody across the region that we have solutions in place to fix these problems as quickly as possible.”