LBA - Leeds/Bradford Information

Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBA) was originally Yeadon Aerodrome, a 60 acre grassland site along Bradford Harrogate Road, which began operating in October 1931 with club flying and training flights being predominant activities.

During the 1960’s permission was given to construct a new runway. Work commenced quickly and the new runway became operational in 1965. In May 1965 the terminal building was substantially destroyed by fire so construction of a new passenger terminal commenced later that year and was opened for use in February 1968.

Then during the late 1970’s a Public Inquiry was held to consider a planning application to extend the runway and terminal facilities to make Leeds Bradford a Category B regional airport, the Secretary of State approved the application but imposed a restriction on operating hours. The main runway was extended by 2,250 metres, improvements to the surrounding link roads took place and substantial improvements were made to the terminal facilities.

LBA gained approval for 24 hour availability in 1994 which allowed operations to continue during night-time hours, albeit with restrictions only permitting the quietest aircraft to operate between 2300 and 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 have recently been completed on a £5 million scheme to refurbish and extent the landside catering and restaurant facilities and new aircraft maintenance facilities and executive aviation centre are to be built on the south side of the airport.

How to get to Leeds Bradford International Airport
Leeds Bradford International Airport is located approximately 8 miles north-west of Leeds and 7 miles from the centre of Bradford.

The airport is signposted on all major roads over a wide area, including the M1 and M62 Motorways and the Yorkshire section of the A1.

The nearest petrol station to Leeds Bradford International Airport is Ackworth Garage, Greenlane, Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, which is approximately 1 mile away.

map - Leeds/Bradford Airport