Leeds Bradford Airport Seeks Expansion Across Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), the largest airport in England's Yorkshire region, serves over 4 million passengers annually, connecting them to more than 80 direct destinations across Europe and Africa through 10 airline partners.

With an ambition to serve 7 million passengers by 2030, LBA is looking to expand connectivity across Europe and long-haul flights as part of its Vision 2030 strategy. The airport, backed by £200 million ($262 million) in private investment, will increase its terminal floorspace by 38% and enhance the airfield with up to 10 new aircraft stands for overnight use.

In the past year, LBA has attracted significant interest from airlines. SunExpress began the airport's first flight to Antalya, and Ryanair launched new routes to Bucharest and Marrakesh in May 2024.

For the upcoming winter season, easyJet will introduce a twice weekly route to Paris CDG starting October 2024, as well as weekly seasonal route to Geneva starting in January 2025. The LCC will also increase its Belfast service to six times a week.

Additionally, LBA will offer a new ski route to Sofia, Bulgaria, from February, operated by a Jet2.com chartered aircraft.

Looking ahead to summer 2025, Jet2.com will add a new weekly route to Jerez, Spain, from May through October.

LBA’s strategy also includes advancing its Net Zero Carbon Roadmap, focusing on reducing its environmental impact through decarbonizing transport links, investing in solar-powered infrastructure, and expanding EV charging facilities.

As a member of Routes 360, the only digital platform dedicated to route development, LBA has uploaded multiple route opportunities to its profile.

Unserved:

• Lisbon Airport (LIS)
• Athens International Airport (ATH)
• Southampton Airport (SOU)
• Cork Airport (ORK)
• Istanbul Airport (IST)
• King Abdulaziz International Airport – Jeddah (JED)
• Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
• Vilnius Airport (VNO)

Underserved:

• Bergen Airport (BGO)
• Keflavik-Reykjavik Airport (KEF)
• Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)

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