Construction takes off at £100m airport terminal expansion project

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has officially marked the start of construction work on its new terminal regeneration.

The privately funded £100m development, known as LBA:REGEN, is designed to enhance passenger experience and support the region’s economic growth by transforming the existing terminal building.

It will deliver a 102,000 sq ft three-storey extension to the terminal, alongside a significant refurbishment of current facilities.

Passengers will benefit from creation of additional aircraft stands, more seating, faster security, new shops and eateries, a larger baggage reclaim area and immigration hall, and improved access for passengers with restricted mobility.

Work is now underway on the terminal extension, with Farrans Construction delivering phase one of the project.

This phase includes construction of a new UK Border Force immigration facility and international baggage reclaim hall, as well as expanded retail and international departure lounge facilities.

Phase two will include an enlarged central search and check-in areas, alongside larger duty free, retail and arrivals areas. Completion of construction is expected to be in 2026.

An airport spokesman noted that by 2030, LBA:REGEN has the potential to create 1,500 new direct jobs at LBA and 4,000 new indirect jobs, as well as contribute a total of £940m to the local economy.

These jobs will include a mix of roles, including entry-level apprenticeships, customer experience officers, duty managers, air traffic engineers and data analysts.

The project will also play a significant part in the airport’s Net Zero Carbon Roadmap, with installation of new efficient heating, lighting and machinery, as well as attracting airlines to deploy their newest, quietest and most efficient aircraft at the airport.

To celebrate ground breaking of the LBA:REGEN development, Leeds Bradford Airport CEO Vincent Hodder was joined by Darren McIvor, project manager for Farrans Construction, Charles Johnson, head of planning development at LBA, and current LBA apprentices Helen Rhodes and Rio Master.

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.

“As one of Yorkshire’s most significant infrastructure projects, we and our passengers are immensely excited to see it develop in the coming months.

“Once complete, this project will deliver the airport that our passengers, airlines and region need and deserve.”