Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has officially opened its brand-new terminal extension, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s ambitious £100 million terminal expansion project. From today, Tuesday 17th June, all passengers travelling through Yorkshire’s largest airport will benefit from a range of modernised facilities designed to enhance comfort, efficiency and the overall airport experience.
The completion of this first phase delivers an immediate upgrade for all arriving and departing passengers. One of the most notable improvements is a brand-new baggage reclaim area, providing a smoother and more reliable process for retrieving luggage. Alongside this, the upgraded passport control facility now features advanced security technologies, helping to reduce wait times and streamline arrivals.
Passengers will also enjoy a remarkable 83% increase in seating throughout the terminal, giving everyone more space to relax before their journey begins. New seating areas offer uninterrupted views of the runway, allowing travellers to unwind while watching planes take off and land. A wider choice of food and drink options has also been introduced, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences and showcasing more local produce.
To complement these upgrades, the new extension includes enhanced premium lounge facilities. Notably, the newly launched Six Eight One Premium Lounge provides a calm and stylish space for passengers to unwind before their flight. This lounge features seasonal menus crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients and offers a tranquil retreat away from the bustle of the terminal.
As part of the wider LBA:REGEN project, work on Phase 2 has now begun. This next stage focuses on refurbishing the existing terminal to further modernise infrastructure and improve the passenger experience across the airport. Passengers travelling during this period may notice some changes to the usual terminal layout, including temporary hoardings and scaffolding at the front of the building, a relocated Meet & Greet parking area, and revised bus pick-up and drop-off points. LBA has set up a dedicated webpage with up-to-date information to help passengers plan ahead and navigate these changes smoothly.
Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, commented: “We are delighted to see our new terminal extension open and operational. It has been an incredible journey to reach this point, and we know our customers will enjoy a completely new experience at LBA from today. It’s an exciting moment for our employees, stakeholders, and partners — this opening represents a major achievement for everyone involved.”
John Cunliffe, Commercial Director at LBA, added: “Today marks a huge milestone for the airport and the region we serve. The new terminal extension is ready to welcome passengers with improved facilities and an enhanced experience. As we move into the next phase, we appreciate our passengers’ patience and understanding while further improvements are made.”
When the full LBA:REGEN project is complete at the end of 2026, passengers can expect a 38% increase in floorspace, 76% more retail space, a 77% boost in luggage reclaim belt capacity, and 50% more security lanes — all designed to position Leeds Bradford Airport as the first choice for travellers in Yorkshire and beyond.
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