/Green light for airport expansion
PLANS for a massive expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport have been given the green light.
Leeds City Council has signed off on plans that will see the main terminal benefit from a two and three storey extension.
The aim of the huge scheme, expected to start in the spring, is to provide an improved arrival experience, including a significantly larger immigration and baggage reclaim areas, improved departure gate facilities, more shops and food outlets and more seating.
It is part of plan to boost passenger numbers from four million to seven million over the next 12 years and the biggest investment to date in the site by AMP Capital since it purchased the airport in October 2017.
David Laws, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “This is fantastic news for the region’s passengers and the wider economy. With work scheduled to be complete in winter 2019/2020 we are increasing peak-time capacity to deliver a first class passenger experience and create an airport Yorkshire can be proud of.”
“This will allow us to attract a greater range of airlines and support route development, which in turn will deliver additional international destinations that our business and leisure passengers’ desire.”
Nolan Tucker, director at Deloitte Real Estate, planning consultant on the project, added: “This is a significant step in the successful development of Leeds Bradford Airport. It is hugely important that this gateway to our region reflects its scale and importance to the wider UK.
“This is the first in a series of future infrastructure projects which will improve access to the airport, helping to increase its capacity, deliver tangible return on investment and fuel future economic growth.
The role of Leeds Bradford Airport in the City Region’s development strategy cannot be overstated.”
Once the new building is complete, works will then commence on re-modelling the existing terminal building to provide a new security central search area, enhanced check-in facilities, and a simplification of the customer journey through the existing departure lounge, which will also include new retail, food and drink outlets.
The final phase will include the construction of a new pier, replacing the current passenger walkway with a two-storey structure, housing arrivals and ground level, and departures being processed at additional new boarding gates on the first floor.