Work is under way on the second phase of a £100m investment into Leeds Bradford Airport, after the initial phase unveiled new features including a new arrivals area and two premium passenger lounges.
Construction has been carried out at the airport since September 2023 as part of the multimillion-pound LBA:Regen terminal expansion programme, which is radically overhauling the airport’s facilities.
EDGE, a Nottingham based property and construction consultancy, has now completed work on the first phase, unveiling a new arrivals facility, which began welcoming passengers this summer, a dedicated baggage reclaim area, a secure passport control zone, enhanced seating with panoramic views of the runway, multiple new food and drink options, and the two new passenger lounges.
Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We are delighted to see our new terminal extension open and operational. It has been an incredible journey to get here, and we know our customers are going to get a completely new experience from LBA. It’s an exciting time for our employees, stakeholders, and business partners.”
EDGE bosses told how they have balanced construction targets with the needs of passengers, airlines and on-site staff during the works, with the majority of construction activities taking place landside to avoid disruption to airside operations. The company deployed a team of commercial, programme and project management staff from its Leeds and Nottingham offices to carry out the work.
Now they are set to start on the new phase, which will see a refurbishment of the airport’s original terminal, which first opened in 1968, together with the development of connecting infrastructure between key terminal areas. This stage of work will be carried out within a “live operational environment”, so works will be carefully staged to minimise disruption during the airport’s busiest times.
Gordon Parkinson, senior project manager at EDGE, said: “This has been one of the most complex but rewarding projects EDGE has ever undertaken. It required round-the-clock collaboration with stakeholders ranging from baggage handlers and food operators to Ƶ Border Force and the airport’s operational teams. Our project team remained hands-on and agile, finding solutions with the client team to deliver this ambitious programme while maintaining full airport functionality.
“Airports today face a complex mix of operational, commercial and environmental challenges. “Our continuing work at Leeds Bradford and other major Ƶ airports demonstrates a track record and capability to manage these multifaceted projects – bringing together the right expertise, procurement strategies, and delivery models to meet evolving demands.”
The full airport refurbishment is due to be completed by the end of 2026, and will serve up a significant increase in terminal floorspace, retail capacity, seating, luggage handling, and security facilities – helping position Leeds Bradford Airport as a significant travel hub in the North of England.
The airport will be able to accommodate up to 6.8 million passengers annually – a 75% increase, making it larger than the likes of Belfast International, East Midlands, Newcastle and Liverpool airports.
