Leeds / Bradford airport information

Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBA) is located approximately 8 miles NW of Leeds and 7 miles from the centre of Bradford. The surrounding area is mainly rural (farming), with some light industrial and residential areas. The airfield is situated 682 feet (207m) above sea level, and is the highest commercial airport in the UK.

The total area of the site is 328 acres, with approximately 65% covered by vegetation and soil and 35% by tarmac, asphalt and concrete. There are 2 runways at LBA, the primary runway is 2250m long (designated 14/32), and the secondary runway is 1100m long (designated 09/27). The runway designation relates to compass direction. The runways and apron area have a comprehensive drainage system to both foul and surface water.

Leeds / Bradford Airport History

LBA was originally Yeadon Aerodrome, which began operating in October 1931 with club flying and training flights being predominant activities. At this time it was on 60 acres of grassland along the Bradford Harrogate Road. Schedule services began in 1935, but with the outbreak of war in 1939 all civil flying ceased. During the war years more than 4,500 aircraft were built at the Avro Factory adjacent to the Airport, and two runways, taxiways and flight test hangars were built on the aerodrome.

Post war civil flights began in 1947, and in 1953 Yeadon Aviation Ltd was formed to operate the Airport and run the Yeadon Aero Club. The Leeds Bradford Airport Joint Committee took over the Airport in 1959 and work was soon underway to improve the facilities, with the installation of permanent airfield lighting and extensions to passenger facilities and apron areas. Following a Public Inquiry in 1963 work commenced to build a new runway, which became operational in 1965. A new terminal was also built and opened in 1968.

In 1978 a Government White Paper on Airport Policy stated that Yorkshire could sustain a Category B airport, and concluded that Leeds Bradford could fulfil this role provided that the main runway was extended. Following a Public Inquiry the application was approved in 1980 but imposed a restriction on operating hours. Works were completed in 1984, and rapid growth followed in both charter and scheduled services, and by 1986 the Airport handled half a million passengers.

In 1987, LBA was converted into a limited company, with the five metropolitan councils of West Yorkshire becoming the shareholders of the new company. Leeds and Bradford each own 40% and Wakefield, Calderdale and Kirklees share equally the remaining 20%. LBA gained approval for 24 hour availability in 1994. This allows operations to continue during night-time hours, albeit with restrictions only permitting the quietest aircraft to operate between 2300 to 0700.

In 1996 the Airport saw its millionth passenger, and in 2001 just over 1.5 million passengers passed through the Airport. Since 1996 the terminal building has virtually doubled in size with new and improved arrivals and departure facilities, lounges and two new air bridges. Construction works are currently underway for new catering and restaurant areas. Additionally, new aircraft maintenance facilities and a business and executive aviation centre are to be built on the south side of the airport.

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Airport Lounges

Relax before your flight in one of the Leeds Airport Lounges.