A £100m regeneration project at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is beginning to take shape.
Progress on the first phase, which includes erecting a new steel-framed building on a former car park, is underway, with the LBA:REGEN scheme on course to be completed in 2026.
Leeds Bradford Airport officials say the privately-funded development will transform LBA’s existing terminal building into a modern, efficient, and sustainable facility, enhancing passenger experience and supporting the region's economic growth.
Vincent Hodder, chief executive officer of LBA, told the Telegraph & Argus: “This is one of Yorkshire’s most important infrastructure projects, and both we and our passengers are thrilled to watch it take shape in the coming months.
“Upon completion, it will provide the airport that our passengers, airlines, and the region truly deserve.”
The development will deliver a three-storey extension to the existing terminal, alongside a significant refurbishment of the current facilities.
The main construction works are being delivered in two phases with Farrans Construction delivering Phase 1, which officials say is progressing as planned.
Key developments of this phase include a new UK Border Force facility, an international baggage reclaim hall, and expanded retail and departure lounge areas.
The Phase 1 steel-framed terminal extension on a former car park is due to be completed in spring 2025.
Phase 2 will include enlarged central search and check-in areas, alongside larger duty-free, retail, and arrivals areas.
Completion of construction work is expected to be finished in 2026.
When the LBA:REGEN project was announced last year, Mr Hodder 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.”
Cathal Montague, regional director at Farrans Construction, said: “Leeds Bradford Airport has played an integral role in the ambitious growth of the city of Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region, supporting connectivity to some of the world’s best destinations for business and tourism.
“We are looking forward to bringing the vision for its next stage to life through the extension and modernisation of the terminal.”
Ground-breaking work on the project began earlier this year.
At the time, Mr 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.”
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