Leeds Bradford Airport News Stories

Consultation deadline extended to 16th June

Leeds Bradford Airport’s planning application for a new, larger terminal – to help them increase passenger numbers from 4m to 7million – has been submitted to Leeds council. The deadline for comments has been extended from 3rd June to 16th June. Details here

Leeds Bradford Airport CEO says the plan is about modernising not expanding

June 19, 2020

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has been planning to expand, building a new terminal that would allow more annual flights and passengers – and thus more CO2 and more noise. The plans have been fiercely opposed. Now, with the airport effectively closed for months, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the chief executive has written that the plans are not about expanding. He says the building plans are to improve and modernise the terminal, and “LBA is not expanding because we are not proposing to grow beyond the airport’s existing consented capacity limit of 7 million passengers. Our present limit is already 7m passengers and LBA is not proposing to increase that limit.” He claims planes are now so (allegedly) “quiet” that tight noise restrictions are not as relevant as years ago. There is the usual stuff about the airport aiming to be carbon net zero by 2023 – which is lovely, though it excludes the carbon from flights, making it somewhat irrelevant. The CEO comes out with all the usual industry platitudes about “clean” planes, and “sustainable” fuels, and future electric planes … none of which mean much. And cycle routes to the airport …

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Leeds Bradford airport submits plans for new terminal building & more passengers (4m to 7m a year) despite Covid fall in demand.

May 14, 2020

The airport has submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council, to replace the current terminal building with a new one by 2023, to increase passenger numbers from 4 million a year to 7 million a year. Opponents to the plans say that will make the climate emergency “worse” and that the current pandemic means there’s “no need” for it. Local people, in Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) say the expansion will increase CO2 emissions, at a time when countries around the world are being urged to drastically then. It will also bring more noise for local communities, increased air pollution, and more traffic congestion. Instead “We need to rebuild a healthy economy in Leeds. We don’t need an unsustainable development like this.” Leeds City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, but conveniently does not include the CO2 emissions from the airport’s flights in its carbon budget. But the flights alone would exceed Leeds’ entire carbon budget by 2035. The airport is trying hard to persuade the Council that its expansion is needed, in competition with Manchester, and the (alleged) economic benefits it would bring would be huge. Will it be able to afford £150 million, now there is the Covid fall in demand?

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Leeds Bradford Airport expansion could now be in doubt – if the landmark Heathrow climate case can be used against it

March 4, 2020

The ruling on Heathrow’s 3rd runway on 27th February, by the Court of Appeal, put the scheme seriously in doubt – on the grounds of its carbon emissions. The DfT had decided not to take proper account of the extra carbon emissions, in relation to the UK’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, when it produced the Airports National Policy Statement . The ruling is ground-breaking, because it sets a global precedent that can now be used to challenge other developments which damage the environment. The expansion plans of Leeds Bradford would result in a possible increase in passengers from about 4 million per year now to about 7 million. This means the plans are not considered large enough to require the National Policy Statement and DCO route. Instead the application goes through the usual planning process. So the Heathrow ruling may not have a direct bearing on this case, though the principle of the need to properly account for carbon emissions from new developments, may be used to argue against it if it went to appeal. Leeds has declared a climate emergency, and its local Citizens’ Assembly resolved that the airport should not expand, due to its carbon emissions.

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Kirklees council urged not to back Leeds Bradford expansion plans – due to climate impact

February 9, 2020

Kirklees Council leader has been urged not to back the use of public money to help the £41 million expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport. The call came from Kirklees Greens leader, Cllr Cooper, who says pumping £5 million into a proposed new rail interchange – the Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway scheme – would inevitably increase international flights and could undermine regional carbon emissions targets. Such a commitment of public money, increasing carbon emissions at a time of climate crisis, was foolhardy. The airport’s expansion plans are being considered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), a group of leading councillors and officers from West Yorkshire councils, plus York, that works on major infrastructure projects. The rail interchange would include a new railway station on the Harrogate railway line and associated access works, assisting access to the airport. The scheme is being promoted with claims it will improve air quality … slightly dubious reasoning there … Cllr Cooper: “Kirklees Council cannot ignore the impact of air travel and the threat it poses to all the actions that we need to be taking to reduce global emissions.”

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‘Lives will be blighted’ by £150M Leeds Bradford Airport plans say protesters after ‘die-in’ at meeting

February 1, 2020

Leeds Bradford is planning to expand, spending £150 million on a new terminal that would allow more annual flights and passengers. Local residents object to the plans as an ‘abdication of responsibility’ and claimed an eco-friendly terminal would be pointless if the numbers of flights increased, as this would massively increase CO2 emissions. The Council meeting had been suspended for 20 minutes due to protests from climate campaigners, locking themselves to railings and holding a die-in. As well as the terminal, the airport wants to reduce the night period with no flights by 90 minutes, so instead of the current 8 hours of quiet at night, there would just be 6 and a half hours. The airport wants to start work in winter 2020, with an opening in 2023. “If we have to go to carbon offsetting, that is what we will do.” The airport is terrified of not growing. The extra noise will blight the lives of thousands of residents under the flight paths. The decision by the Leeds Council City Plans Panel was to take no view on the pre-application and ask the Airport for further information.

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Leeds Bradford Airport wants to cut night-time period by 90 minutes to just 11.30pm to 6am

January 30, 2020

Leeds Bradford Airport wants rules that impose a range of night-time flying restrictions to be relaxed, so it can operate more flights. The current restrictions, since 1993, are that the airport can only operate 4,000 flights a year during the night-time period, which is 11pm to 7am. Now the airport wants the night-time period reduced from 8 hours to 6.5 hours, so it is from 11.30pm to 6am – an hour and a half less. The WHO says people should have a quiet period for sleep for 8 hours per night. Most adults need between 7-8 hours of good sleep per night. That is not possible, if the night period is only 6.5 hours. That also does not include planes arriving later than 11.30pm, for delays etc. The change the airport wants means lots of flights in the “shoulder periods”. ie. between 6am and 7am, and between 11pm and 11.30pm. This enables airlines to fit in more “rotations” so they can make more return trips to European holiday destination airports, making more money for airlines. The plans will be discussed by Leeds City Council’s on January 30th; the airport may submit a planning application in the coming months.

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Leeds Bradford Airport link road plans scrapped

19.12.2019

Plans for a new link road to Leeds Bradford Airport have been scrapped because of a lack of public support. The decision comes after climate change activists held a protest against airport expansion proposals. But Leeds City Council said it had “taken on board” feedback from residents and its decision was not made because of “climate lobbying”. Other plans, which include a railway station and bus terminal, are due to be discussed at a meeting on 7 January. A councillor said due to public feedback, they were taking forward proposals for a parkway station, investing in sustainable public transport infrastructure, and this would “help to take cars off the roads”.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-50859029

Leeds Citizens’ Jury on climate change recommends NOT expanding Leeds Bradford airport

December 7, 2019

Leeds recently held a “Climate Change Citizens’ Jury” on climate change, with 21 “jurors”. It was put together by the Leeds Climate Commission, with jurors selected through a process to make it representative of a “mini-public” of Leeds, with varying different views. The Jury was tasked with examining the Leeds’ response to the emergency of climate change and with producing recommendations that will be used to guide the future work of the Commission and a range of organisations across Leeds. The jury started in September, and ran for a total of 30 hours over 9 sessions, ending in early November. The findings, in the form of recommendations written by the jurors, have been presented at a launch event on 25 November 2019 and will be presented formally to Leeds City Council’s Climate Emergency Advisory Committee in January 2019, which can make formal recommendations to Leeds City Council’s executive board. One of the recommendations was that Leeds Bradford Airport should not be expanded, with a vote for that by 86% of the jury. They said residents should be informed about the impact of expansion on carbon emissions, and flying should be discouraged, for example by higher taxation through the Frequent Flyer tax.

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New station among big plans for Leeds Bradford airport

September 30, 2018

The public will have their say on proposals to improve transport connectivity to Leeds Bradford Airport, including plans for a new railway station nearby. Senior councillors on Leeds City Council’s executive board have agreed a recommendation to carry out public consultation and engagement on proposals to improve road and rail access to the airport to support its future growth, as well as job creation in the area and addressing current congestion issues in north west Leeds. The council working with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds Bradford Airport and key stakeholders has put forward key investment proposals for a new airport parkway rail station, located on the existing Leeds-Harrogate Line, with a short connecting spur road to the airport to provide a shuttle bus connection similar to that at Luton Airport. This would also serve as a park and ride service for destinations on the Leeds-Harrogate Line and beyond. Also improving road access through one of three options. And releasing 36 hectares of land next to the airport for employment growth and job creation in north west Leeds. All of the key details on the proposals to be considered together will be available in the consultation, to take place early in 2019.

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Newcastle Airport’s part owner (49%), Australian AMP Capital, buys Leeds Bradford Airport

19.10.2017

The Australian investment group which owns almost half of Newcastle Airport has bought another airport in the North, Leeds Bradford. AMP Capital, which took a 49% stake in Newcastle Airport in 2012 (51% is owned by 7 local authorities in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham), has bought Leeds Bradford outright – after buying it from European investment group Bridgepoint. AMP Capital say the airport offers a “highly attractive investment and a great fit for its global infrastructure platform”. It is likely that a competition probe could take place on the deal, with one company potentially having a major stake in two Northern airports whose target markets have some crossover. Though theoretically serving a larger population area, Leeds Bradford is currently smaller than Newcastle Airport, with many people in Yorkshire choosing to fly instead from Manchester. Newcastle recorded 4.8m passengers in 2016 compared to Leeds Bradford’s 3.6m.

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Consultation on flight path changes at Leeds Bradford airport – ends 6th October

Date added: September 21, 2017

A public consultation (ends 5th November) is under way into air space changes around Leeds Bradford Airport. The departure routes will not change, but aircraft will climb quicker, reducing plane noise to some of those under the flight paths. The airport says that to provide improved spacing between arriving and departing aircraft and greater efficiency of operation, the new procedures require additional airspace within which to manoeuvre aircraft. Some new areas would be overflown. After the consultation, the airport will submit its application to the CAA, which has 17 weeks to reply. Once approval is achieved, LBA will complete controller training with the changes set to be implemented from autumn next year. The proposals affect Class G airspace, and would significantly concentrate flight paths – so some local residents will be blighted with considerably more noise then they experience today whilst others may benefit. The documentation claims that the change in airspace proposed will not automatically mean an increase in air passenger numbers and aircraft movements but then refers readers to the airports development plan published elsewhere which clearly states their ambition to grow passenger numbers to 7 million per year by 2030 (from around 3.5 million now).

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Leeds Bradford airport currently have an Airspace Change Proposal (ACP)

September 2017

They are attempting to increase the amount of controlled class D airspace around the airport on the premise that the extra airspace is required to allow for changes in both arrival and departure procedures.

Their proposal creates significant choke points for other air space users, degrading the safety of those in Class G airspace around the outside of the proposed class D and at the same time states that the new procedures will significantly concentrate flight paths – so some local residents will be blighted with considerably more noise then they experience today whilst others may benefit.

The documentation claims that the change in airspace proposed will not automatically mean an increase in air passenger numbers and aircraft movements but then refers readers to the airports development plan published elsewhere which clearly states their ambition to grow passenger numbers to 7 million per year by 2030.

The GA (General Aviation) community, local gliding clubs and hang gliding / flex wing enthusiasts operating in northern England stand to be greatly affected by the proposals.

Respondents have until 6^th of October 2017 to make their views known.

Link to the ACP proposal http://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/media/2643/lba-acp-consultation-document-issue-2.pdf .

Link to the LBA Development Plan 2016 to 2030 http://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/about-the-airport/airport-masterplan

Greenbelt campaigners vow to campaign against Leeds Bradford Airport link road plans

August 7, 2015

Campaigners say large swathes of unspoilt greenbelt land will be seriously damaged and traffic congestion exacerbated if a proposed link road for Leeds Bradford Airport is built. They say a link route running from the A65 in Rawdon – through unspoilt green belt land – will not serve any beneficial purpose, arguing the case for building it has not been made. They are asking people to visit and sign up to saveleedsgreenbelt.com, a new website set up to protect green space around the city. Leeds City Council is working with Leeds Bradford Airport and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to take the link road proposal forward. The council says no final route has been chosen and that the issue will go out for full consultation. But campaigners are gearing up to fight the proposal. Opponents are not persuaded that the traffic implications have been worked out properly. They want the council to produce evidence to back up its claims. One of the council’s stated ambitions is to increase the use of public transport (by building another road?) and hope to eventually get a rail connection.

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Leeds Bradford airport expansion plans need 36.2 hectares of green belt land owned by Leeds Council

July 9, 2015

Expansion plans have been unveiled for Leeds Bradford Airport to enable it to bring in double the amount of passengers over the next 15 years. The proposals would see Leeds Council releasing 36.2 hectares of greenbelt land in and near to the airport. It would be used to increase the passenger terminal building and develop an airport village, including a hotel, restaurant and shops. The plans would also result in new flight destinations being introduced. Leeds Bradford airport currently handles around 3.3 million passengers per year but its forecasts show a potential to increase that to 7.1 million by 2030. The plans include an air innovation park to attract research and development companies and an air freight park for improved cargo handling. Leeds Council said releasing the council-owned land would help businesses grow and bring in new jobs and skills. Better transport connections including a new link road are also being looked at. The proposals will be discussed at a meeting of the council’s executive board on 15 July, and if approved, they will go out to public consultation later in the year. The airport was bought from local councils in 2007 for £145.5 million. Although Bridgepoint Capital own the airport 100% financially, the councils hold a “special share” in the airport, to protect its name and continued operation as an air transport gateway for the Yorkshire region.

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Leeds Bradford still hopeful of airport rail link after Minister Robert Goodwill visits

May 2, 2014

New aviation Minister, Robert Goodwill. has visited Leeds Bradford airport and commented that a new rail link to the airport is “obviously desirable”. Mr Goodwill was at the airport for a whistle-stop tour, as part of a day of discussions with council and business leaders. One of the items to discuss was the possible improvement of road and rail links to the airport. This has been under discussion for several years. The local paper reports that “The Minister is visiting regional airports across the country in the wake of a new Government study, which has identified the six national congestion hotspots most in need of investment.” He said he could understand why the airport is so keen to get improved rail links, to ease travel. But quizzed on if and when the Government would be ready to invest in the region’s airport, he said he was “rather reluctant to put a timescale on that decision”. “We have to look at other airports and priorities as well….. There is a study ongoing and it will depend on the price tag, the deliverability and planning issues.” At present most people go to Leeds Bradford Airport by car or by taxi.

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Moving Leeds-Bradford International Airport branded ‘fanciful’

6th April 2014

Business leaders, backed by Bradford Council leader David Green, have shot down the ‘fanciful’ idea that Leeds- Bradford International Airport should be relocated. Bradford Breakthrough, which represents 32 senior private sector and public sector leaders, says it wants the airport to stay at Yeadon – and that investment should be made in better transport and infrastructure links. Bradford Breakthrough members have unanimously opposed the idea of moving the airport following calls by the leaders of Leeds and Wakefield councils for a new regional hub to be developed on another site. The possibility of a new airport – probably located to the south of Leeds near the proposed HS2 route – was first mooted earlier this year.

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/business/11125874.print/

‘Vital link’ to Pakistan from airport may go if operator decides to axe direct flights

12th April 2014

Pakistan International Airlines could be on the verge of pulling out of Leeds Bradford Airport – leaving the area without any direct flights to the sub- continent. The airline, which is reported to have suffered from financial problems and scandals in recent years, is considering suspending its flights from LBIA to Islamabad after May 15. The shock news comes less than three years after the area previously faced losing the important long haul connection. The crisis in 2011 was averted after two weeks of intensive negotiations between PIA, airport chiefs and Bradford’s then Lord Mayor Naveeda Ikram. The airline’s flights from Leeds Bradford could be suspended within weeks. The threat to the twice-weekly service is already hitting passengers who are being told they cannot book flights from Leeds Bradford to Islamabad after May 15 because the route may be suspended. PIA launched the flights in 2008 to replace a short-lived Shaheen Air International service which was axed due to problems with plane availability. Click here to view full story …

Probe of surface transport links to Leeds Bradford airport

8th April 2014 (Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

A study to look at improving links to Leeds Bradford Airport has been ordered by the Department for Transport. Transport links to the airport have already been included in a Treasury list of six “notorious and long-standing road congestion hotspots.” A Treasury report – Investing in Britain’s Future – which was published last year, said further feasibility studies were needed into the six hotspots.

Now the DfT has appointed transport planners WSP, in partnership with Parsons Brinckerhoff, to carry out a study to examine options for improving connections.

The study, which is expected to be finished by early August, aims to identify ways of ‘substantially’ improving the links to surrounding areas. The study will take account of intentions to ‘grow’ the airport and will identify ways of improving ‘surface access’ to help it achieve its aim.

It will look at roads, public transport and “other sustainable modes.” WSP says consultation and liaison with local authorities and key stakeholders will underpin the study.

Dr David Ingham, Chairman of Wharfedale and Airedale Review Development, spoke out after serious traffic congestion on roads near the airport. Dr Ingham said: “Imagine a serious plane accident and fire at the airport. How long would it take for emergency vehicles to come to the airport’s assistance? There would without doubt be serious consequences.”

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/11134769.Probe_of_transport_links_to_Leeds_Bradford_airport/

Revised Public Safety Zone at Leeds Bradford airport – public consultation

12.3.2013 In the UK there are 31 airports with Public Safety Zones. These are triagular shaped areas at the ends of runways, which show the areas where the risk of an aircraft crash is significant, and the risk contours. The area of a PSZ corresponds to the 1 in 100,000 individual risk contour, with additional lower risk contours. The CAA is now in charge of these PSZs, and reviews them every 7 years to take into account anticipated changes in air traffic over the next 15 years. The PSZ gets larger if there are more planes flown. There is a general presumption against new development within PSZs due to the safety risk, though existing activities are allowed to continue within a PSZ. The PSZ for Leeds Bradford is now being reviewed and was out for public consultation until 4th April 2013. In the new revised PSZ 60 properties have been included in the new proposed PSZ area and a further 32 houses have been removed. The PSZ areas each end of the runway now cover a slightly larger area. Some residents have been shocked to find they are in the PSZ without being aware of it. https://www.airportwatch.org.uk/?p=2536

Pakistan International Airlines has still not switched to less noisy planes for Leeds Bradford night flights

March 27, 2013 Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have repeatedly broken noise limits at Leeds Bradford airport, and it is meant to have changed to less noisy planes. However, the introduction of these planes has been postponed. PIA is meant to have switched to Boeing 777s on its services to Islamabad from earlier in March. There have been 8 breaches of night time rules over the previous 12 months. Two years earlier the council had served a breach of condition notice on the airport. Improvements were made but after a further eight breaches councillors said they wanted a commitment on timescale. Earlier councillors had agreed to support the approach of continued dialogue rather than formal action. Click here to view full story…

New BA flights 4 times per day from Heathrow to Leeds Bradford

December 13, 2012 Direct flights between Yorkshire and Heathrow have been reinstated with the first BA service after an absence of 32 years,using a A319. There will be 4 flights per day, and the region’s business community is said to be enthusiastic, as it provides quicker access to Heathrow’s 170 destinations around the world. Tony Hallwood, commercial director at LBA, said: “It opens up the region to the rest of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Flights on the new route, which take 80 minutes, cost from £55 one way, including taxes. The Chamber of Commerce Chief Exec said “These new BA services connect Yorkshire to the whole of the world through Heathrow – and now the whole of the world will find it easier to get to Harrogate.” The airport wants to increase passenger from 3 million to 3.5 million over the next 18 months or so and to 4.5 million within the next 5 years.” Click here to view full story…

More breaches of night noise limits at Leeds Bradford by Pakistan International Airlines

December 13, 2012 Pakistan International Airlines has breached night-time flying rules at Leeds-Bradford Airport. It has had 8 breaches of night-time rules in the last year. It is now being asked by Leeds City Council to give a formal commitment to introduce quieter planes, and timescale for doing so. Two years ago the Council served a breach of condition notice on the airport after warning that further contraventions by Pakinstan Airlines would not be tolerated. Improvements were made, but there are still breaches. Councillors agreed to support the approach of continued dialogue rather than formal action at this stage. At Leeds Bradford there is a restriction of planes at night that have a noise quota count greater than 1. LBIA is reviewing the designated night-time quota period of 2300—0700 as it wants to make the night period shorter, from 2330-0600. Click here to view full story…

Yorkshire-Heathrow flights restored after 18-month interval

27.6.2012 British Airways opens Leeds Bradford-Heathrow route after period in which carriers withdrew link twice in as many years in what some people regard as an encouraging move for the region’s economy. British Airways will run four services a day between Leeds Bradford and Heathrow from 9 December, ending a period of uncertainty which has seen the link broken twice in as many years. Details …

“More geese may have to be culled” at Leeds-Bradford Airport

February 16, 2012 The airport’s operations director says more geese may be culled to ensure the safety of planes. He said urgent action was needed from time to time, and recently met with residents protesting against the killing of geese at Yeadon Tarn last year. He said measures such as egg picking were already in place – but sometimes it was necessary to react quickly to a particular problem. The airport already used scaring tactics to deflect the geese but had a duty to ensure safety. “We have got to be prepared if suddenly a flock of geese descend and set up a roost somewhere in the locality, and then decide to fly across the airport. We have got to be able to deal with that.” Click here to view full story…

Leeds Bradford Airport bosses vow to change Canada Geese cull

February 7, 2012 Airport chiefs, who ordered a cull of 10 Canada Geese at a Leeds beauty spot, YeadonTarn, have said they find other ways to control the population. There was no local consultation about the cull beforehand.Food and Environment Research Agency officers shot the flock, which was deemed “a significant risk to aircraft”, in September by closing the green space to dog walkers in the early hours. Plans for an £11million expansion of the airport, which could be completed by this summer, had sparked further fears of culls. A meeting took place recently between the airport and angry local residents. Click here to view full story…

Leeds Bradford Airport ‘selling a pup’ over plans for expansion

December 13, 2011 Councillors in Leeds have accused the airport of ignoring communities living near the airport. The airport had around 2.8 million passengers in 2008, and around 2.7 milion in 2010, and want to increase the number to 4 million per year. They are now building at the airport to provide a new departure lounge, more shops, a large walkway to the aircraft etc. Councillors say there will be no additional infrastructure to support the expected big increase in passengers, and the road traffic congestion that would bring. Click here to view full story…

Leeds Bradford Airport embarks on £11m upgrade

Huddersfield Daily Examiner 8.12.2011
BOSSES at Leeds Bradford Airport have unveiled plans for an £11m investment in passenger facilities. More than 100 construction workers will be involved in the project, which is due for completion next summer. The airport said the upgrade would create capacity for a further million passengers a year – taking its annual total to 4 million. The scheme includes creating a new departure lounge, a new range of food and drink outlets, more shops, a large walkway to the aircraft next to the terminal building and an increased security office. Details …..

Leeds Bradford Airport may be affected by high-speed rail

13th August 2010 In his evidence to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee on 26th July, Philip Hammond said that Flights from Leeds Bradford Airport and Manchester Airport are likely to be affected if a high-speed rail link is introduced, and the need for domestic air services will be cut. These changes would have a transformational effect on the UK economy. It will also reduce the number of services to Amsterdam from regional airports. Click here to view full story…

Further breaches at Leeds Bradford airport ‘won’t be tolerated’ by council

16th April 2010 Leeds Bradford airport is being warned that further breaches of night-flight rules will not be tolerated. Leeds planners have agreed to formally warn Leeds-the airport after considering a report which detailed 32 incidents over the past year when aircraft have breached the deadline. The vast majority involved Pakistan International Airlines and its predecessor Shaheen Airlines. The council wants a firm timetable for tackling the problem. (T & A) Click here to view full story…

Leeds Bradford Airport under scrutiny over late-night flying

13th April 2010 Councillors will this week consider a report which details 32 breaches of planning rules (7 between Nov 2009 and Feb 2010) over noisy night-time flying at Leeds Bradford International Airport. A late-running Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flight to Islamabad has created all the breaches in the rules, which operate to reducenight flying between 11pm-7am. (Guardian) Click here to view full story…

Call to speak out over draft airport noise action plan at Leeds Bradford

11th April 2010 People are being urged to take part in a consulation process – on the draft noise action plan – over noise levels at the Airport. Completed questionnaires must be returned by April 27, but Aireborough Civic Society believes many people are not aware of the consultation. Copies of the document and a questionnaire are in local libraries and on the airport’s website, and the civic society is urging people to speak up as the consultation affects airport noise for the next 5 years. Click here to view full story…

Ryanair opens new base at Leeds Bradford airport

25th March 2010 Ryanair opens a new base at Leeds Bradford which “is expected to create 1,000 jobs in the region.” The move will see 14 new routes to 6 countries fly from the airport, in an investment worth more than £90 million. Ryanair will offer 63 weekly return flights to and from the airport. It will become Ryanair’s 34th base and will be home to 2 of Ryanair’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Click here to view full story…

22.03.10 Leeds Bradford – Sofia flights announced

06.02.10 Leeds Bradford Airport parking expansion

25.01.10 Leeds Bradford consult on noise action plans

31.12.09 Residents fears over Leeds Bradford Airport roadworks
21.12.09 Leeds Bradford boss wants more Air France – KLM routes
15.12.09 Jet2 launch next winter’s schedule
03.12.09 Flybe and MP argue on domestic flights

Leeds MP – Colin Challen – war of words over flight ‘ban’

4th December 2009 Budget airline Flybe has accused MP Colin Challen of putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk after he launched a campaign for a ban on domestic flights. Flybe flies to 5 destinations within the UK from Leeds Bradford accused the MP of “headline-chasing of the worst kind” and living in an “ivory tower”. Colin told the firm to “wake up to the reality of climate change and stop bleating”. He has tabled an EDM to phase out domestic flights in 2010. (Post) Click here to view full story…

Leeds Bradford Airport told cut staff car travel or face fines

8th September 2009 Leeds Bradford Airport bosses could face tough financial penalties if they fail to persuade more of their staff to get to work by car sharing or on public transport by 2012. A travel plan drawn up for the airport sets targets to limit the number of single occupancy car journeys people make to get to work. At least 30% of staff employed by the company that runs the airport should get to work using transport other than single occupancy car. (Yorkshire Evening Post) Click here to view full story…

03.12.09 Leeds Bradford Airport targets New York flights

24.11.09 Leeds Bradford Airport terminal expansion plans approved
20.11.09 Profits plunge for Jet2 owner
19.11.09 Jet2charters busy Hajj flights
13.11.09 Leeds Bradford ‘will be the only airport to grow next year’
18.10.09 Leeds Bradford Airport denies councillors ‘more noise’ claim
23.09.09 Flybe launch early summer routes from Leeds Bradford Airport
03.09.09 Thomas Cook add Leeds Bradford routes

31.08.09 Jet2 to add Leeds Bradford – Bergerac flights
30.08.09 Over 40,000 to fly from Leeds Bradford Airport
28.08.09 Flybe to add early morning Leeds Bradford – Gatwick flight
12.08.09 Ryanair announce Leeds Bradford base

Leeds Bradford – Jobs created by new Ryanair base

12th August 2009 Ryanair is to set up a base at Leeds Bradford, allegedly creating hundreds of jobs. O’Leary said the announcement would have a “significant impact” on the Yorkshire region – and sustain 1,000 jobs. The airport is on course to almost double in size after planners recently gave permission for a £28m development. Ryanair will offer 14 new routes and 63 weekly return flights to and from Leeds Bradford in an investment of over £84m in the airport. (BBC) Click here to view full story…

Leeds Bradford Airport expansion plans approved

24th July 2009

Plans to extend Leeds Bradford, which would double its capacity in 5 years, have been backed by Leeds councillors. The proposals include a £28m extension to the terminal building, a new departure lounge etc. In April the council rejected an original plan due to concerns over the impact on roads around the airport. Projections show the airport’s expansion plans mean it would consume all of Leeds’ carbon budget by 2050. 80% of letters to Leeds City council were against the expansion. (BBC) Click here to view full story…

‘Wrong time for expansion’ at Leeds-Bradford

25th July 2009

The boss of the largest airline operating from the airport has criticised the
£28 million expansion plans given the go-ahead this week by Leeds councillors.
Chief executive of Jet2.com accused LBIA’s owners Bridgepoint (which bought the
airport at the top of the market) of planning the terminal extension mainly to
boost shopping facilities to recoup the £140 million it paid, and he believes
the extension could push up costs for his company and others. (Telegraph &
Argus) Click here to view full story…

Threat of Leeds Bradford airport expansion is back!

16th July 2009

After successfully batting off the proposal in April, the Leeds Bradford Airport
expansion proposal will be considered once again by Councillors on Thursday 23rd
July at Leeds Civic Hall. “No Leeds Bradford Airport Expansion” hopes to convince
councillors to oppose it again. Access to the airport is poor, and an expansion
in passenger numbers of 70% in 5 years would create unacceptable local road congestion
– as well as environmental damage. Click here to view full story…

26.07.09 Jet2 boss criticises Leeds Bradford expansion plans24.07.09 Leeds Bradford Airport expansion plans approved20.07.09 Leeds Bradford Airport says 90% of flights still on track17.07.09 Leeds Bradford Airport completes car park upgrade

Minister: “Leeds Bradford – London flights are capital idea”

22nd April 2009

The Minister for Yorkshire – Rosie Winterton MP – has welcomed the news that
flights from Leeds Bradford to London will be taking off again this summer. Flybe,
Europe’s largest regional airline, is launching a new 3 times daily service to
the capital. The airline has stepped in to reconnect Yorkshire travellers and
Gatwick following rival bmi’s decision in March to axe its flights to Heathrow.
(Yorkshire Evening Post) Click here to view full story…

GOOD NEWS! “Back to the drawing board” for Leeds Bradford Airport expansion

comments by NLBAE 17.4.2009

Leeds Bradford expansion grounded

17.4.2009 Greenpeace blog by Christian. …….At the moment 3 million people a year
use the airport, and the planned new terminal would have handled up to 5 million.
That the plans have been shelved is a great piece of news, because it shows that
there’s no inevitability to airport expansion plans – the environmental arguments
against ever-increasing numbers of flights are so strong they can trump corporate
profit or government dictat. In a very short timeframe, campaigners assembled
a coalition to highlight the environmental impact of an expanded airport, and
as a result of their hard work, the number of objections to the scheme went from
0 to 800 within just two months………… Click here for full blog

Setback for LBA expansion bid as opponents make their voices heard 16th April 2009

AIRPORT bosses’ plans of starting a multi-million pound programme to swell passenger
numbers at Yeadon have suffered a major setback. Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA) wants to carry out the first phase
of a £28 million project by adding a two-storey extension to its main terminal
– a move which could help attract five million passengers per year (compared to
the current 2.9 million) by 2012. click here for full story…

Controversial Leeds-Bradford airport plan stays grounded

17.4.2009 Plans for a £28m extension at the terminal have been scuppered for the time being. Councillors delayed a decision on the scheme amid concerns about the impact it
could have on roads in the area after getting more than 900 letters of objection.
The proposed terminal extension is part of a £70m investment programme that Bridgepoint Capital intend to carry out over the next 5 years. Panel members said they could not give the scheme their backing at this stage Click here to view full story…

Leeds Bradford Airport’s £70m expansion plan under threat in transport clash

17.4.2009 Plans to expand Leeds Bradford have been kicked into touch. The airport wants
to increase passenger numbers to 5.1 million a year by 2016. Planning councillors
unanimously agreed to defer their decision. They indicated broad support for the
expansion, but criticised the airport’s transport blueprint for failing to tackle
key issues. These included transport links from Leeds. The plans will now be discussed
again by councillors at a later date. (Yorkshire Post) Click here to view full story…

Leeds Bradford International Airport unveils terminal development proposals

4.11.2008

Leeds Bradford International Airport has unveiled a £28m development of its passenger
terminal. LBIA’s terminal development proposals reveal a two storey extension
to the landside face of the existing terminal, together with internal modifications
to the current building. This major investment by the airport’s shareholders,
Bridgepoint, follows their purchase of the airport in May 2007. LBIA will shortly
prepare a planning application. (Routes online) Click here to view full story

Leeds Bradford to reveal expansion plans

30.10.2008 Click here to view full story

Leeds airport terminal project will go ahead despite economy

15th July 2008

The boss of Leeds Bradford Airport says he is confident that a multi-million
pound terminal redevelopment will go ahead as planned. John Parkin has told the
YEP that a formal planning application will be submitted in early 2009. Bridgepoint
has pledged to invest £70m on a major modernisation of the airport and the plan
is to grow passenger numbers from their current 3m to more than 5m by 2012/2013.
(Yorkshire Evening Post) Click here to view full story…

UK Airport News stories on Leeds Bradford airport:

at the UK Airport News website (some of which are below)

30.01.09 New Leeds Bradford – Tunisia flights

25.01.09 Jet2 announce free flights competition

22.01.09 Leeds Bradford expansion plans go to council

30.12.08 Leeds Bradford Airport in talks over Frankfurt flights

06.12.08 Profits double at Jet2

02.12.08 Jet2 boss confident on growth

24.11.08 Jet2 offer battlefield flights from Leeds Bradford

20.11.08 AOA boss says new air tax will add £100 to long haul flights

19.11.08 Leeds Bradford seek bids for terminal extension

08.11.08 Views sought on Leeds Bradford Airport congestion