Major expansion plans unveiled at Leeds Bradford Airport

LEEDS-BRADFORD Airport has unveiled an £11m expansion of its terminal as it looks to dramatically increase passenger numbers.

The airport will grow the departure lounge space by more than half in addition to creating more food and drink facilities and shops.

The project will also see the creation of a larger premier lounge and security zone as well as a new covered walkway linking the terminal to aircraft stands.

Chief executive John Parkin said: “It marks an important milestone in the development of Yorkshire’s airport and our desire to provide the very best facilities for our rapidly growing numbers of customers and airlines.

“The broad economic conditions are challenging, but we are the UK’s fastest growing regional airport and with the strong support of our shareholders, Bridgepoint, we are confident now is the time to invest in our future.

“The investment and developments we are announcing today demonstrate our determination to succeed, to continue to grow and to provide the region with the airport it wants and deserves.”

Construction work is starting immediately with the departure lounge work completed by May next year with the whole project finished by the summer.

The Leeds office of Morgan Sindall has secured the main contract and will employ 100 people directly on site in addition to subcontractor.

Mr Parkin said the latest investment took Bridgepoint’s spending at the airport to £20m since buying the facility from West Yorkshire councils and further money was already earmarked for future development.