Airport News
Poland routes planned for Leeds-Bradford Airport
Tue, 02 Feb, 2010
New routes to Poland are being planned for passengers travelling out of Leeds-Bradford International Airport (LBIA).
According to a report in the Telegraph and Argus, Ryanair is thinking of increasing the number of flights to Krakow, providing a link for Polish residents and tourists alike.
Dara Brady, deputy head of sales and marketing at Ryanair, told the news provider that it is not only flights to eastern Europe that are being planned.
"We're also seeing strong demand for Nantes and Montpellier flights and will be developing the potential of Malta, which has strong links with the UK," he stated.
These new services may come as Ryanair prepares to move its northern base to Leeds from Manchester Airport in March. It is thought that this change in location could bring an additional one million passengers a year to LBIA.
Passengers travelling from the Yorkshire hub also have the option of flying to Tunisia, after Jet2.com announced it would be starting the service this spring.
Leeds-Bradford Airport welcomes new flights to Tunisia
Fri, 04 Sep, 2009
Airport car parks at Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle could be filled with the vehicles of holidaymakers jetting off to Monastir in Tunisia next year.
From May 23rd, airline Jet2.com will be operating scheduled flights to the North African tourist hotspot from all three of the northern airports.
Travellers can already book flights on the new route, which is one of several that the cheap flights carrier is planning to launch in time for next summer.
"We are committed to offering people in the north an unrivalled choice of routes to fantastic sunshine holiday destinations at friendly departure times," said Philip Meeson, head of Jet2.com.
He added that the budget airline had managed to create hundreds of jobs in the north of England over recent months as a result of its new base at East Midlands Airport, which opened last month.
Recently, Jet2.com revealed that it intends to commence flights on seven new routes from East Midlands - to destinations including Lanzarote, Dalaman, Corfu and Crete - from next May.
Ryanair adds new routes out of Leeds Bradford Airport
Wed, 12 Aug, 2009
Budget airline Ryanair has announced that it will add a number of new flights to its roster at Leeds Bradford Airport.
The Yorkshire travel hub will be the company's 34th base as it adds an additional 14 new routes to its current itinerary.
Leeds Bradford Airport will now offer 17 Ryanair flights and will service more than one million passengers for the travel provider.
Chief executive at the airport John Parkin said: "This is a great vote of confidence in the potential of both the airport and our region from Europe's largest airline.
"It shows Ryanair shares our confidence in the tremendous opportunity for strong market growth at the airport. Significantly it follows recent planning approval for the terminal development to deliver best in-class facilities and build upon existing routes."
Destinations that the new flights will cover include Ibiza, Knock, Krakow, Malta, Montpellier, Pisa and Venice.
It was recently announced that plans for a £28 million development of the airport's passenger terminal had been given the go-ahead by Leeds City Council.
Leeds Bradford Airport has £28m expansion plans approved
Fri, 24 Jul, 2009
A £28 million expansion of Leeds Bradford International Airport has been approved by Leeds City Council's Planning Committee.
Leeds Bradford was given the go ahead yesterday (July 23rd) for its ambitious plan to become the Gateway to Yorkshire.
The scheme includes a two story extension to the existing terminal which will include a new departure lounge, a re-designed baggage claim hall, more retail and catering facilities and the modernisation of the airport's airside immigration facility.
Extensions to the airport will offer more that 4,500 square metres of room to expand and the proposal will create an estimated 2,200 jobs for the local community.
Leeds Bradford Airport only recently announced the culmination of its two phase forecourt redevelopment which has improved the airport shuttle service and provided a new drop-off and pick-up area for cars.
Phase two of the development was designed to modernise the short stay airport car-parking facilities and the pedestrian walkways.
Leeds Bradford airport completes regeneration project
Fri, 17 Jul, 2009
Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA) has announced the completion of a project to transform the airport's terminal front and car park.
This was stage two of a multi million pounds project which has modernised the airport with more developed shuttle bus access, a quick drop-off point and a redeveloped pedestrian zone and short-stay car park facilities.
Commercial and aviation development director at LBIA said: "We are delighted that development has been completed ahead of the busy summer season.
"Our aim is to offer customers modern facilities which allow them quick and easy access to and from the terminal.
"We are determined to continue to improve the quality of services we provide to our passengers and our on-going investment will deliver a significant enhancement to terminal facilities."
LBIA has lots to offer air travellers who pass through its doors with a well stocked duty free area and retail outlets such as W H Smith and Superdrug.
Leeds-Bradford Airport to London Gatwick link to be launched
Mon, 20 Apr, 2009
Leeds-Bradford Airport will get a new three-times daily service to London Gatwick, it has been announced.
Flybe will run the timetable, which will replace the recently discontinued fights offered by rival bmi to London Heathrow.
The move will benefit businesses in the Yorkshire region, the Bradford Chamber of Commerce has commented to the Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
"I am sure that Bradford businesses will welcome the return of an airline link with the capital and international destinations," chief executive of the organisation Sandy Needham said.
She added that not having services to London had "damaged the region's credibility".
Ms Needham also expressed her disappointment at bmi's cancellation decision last month, as Gatwick is 13 miles further away from the centre of the capital than Heathrow.
The Leeds-Bradford facility is located to near to junctions of the M1 and M62 motorways and the A1.
People parking at the airport can input the postcode LS19 7TU to locate it using their satellite navigation systems.
Leeds airport prepares for busy weekend
Thu, 09 Apr, 2009
Leeds Bradford International Airport and its car park are gearing up for an 'eggstra' busy weekend.
Over the Easter bank holiday, more than 25,000 passengers are expected to pass through the facility's doors.
The airport offers a number of domestic routes, which it asserted would be ideal for those who want to visit friends and family around the country over the coming days. Scotland and the south-west are among the services on offer.
Possible flights to holiday hotspots include to Spain, the Canary Islands and Cyprus - and city break destinations such as Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Prague are also popular.
Tony Hallwood, commercial and aviation development director, explained families like to take advantage of the Easter break.
"We look forward to welcoming them at the start of their holiday, alongside the many passengers who arrive at Leeds Bradford to visit their loved ones during this holiday season," he commented.
Vacationers planning on using Leeds Bradford International Airport's car park can access the location from the M1, M62 and the Yorkshire section of the A1.
Eastern Airways adds extra LBIA-Southampton flight
Tue, 10 Feb, 2009
Business travellers will soon be able to benefit from an additional flight between Leeds Bradford International Airport and Southampton Airport.
Eastern Airways is adding a flight to its service between the two hubs from February 16th.
The new service will depart from Leeds Bradford at 14:20 GMT, taking one hour and ten minutes to reach the south coast.
Passengers can already travel from the Yorkshire airport to Southampton at 06:50 and 05:40, but the 10:15 flight will no longer be operated.
Chris Holliday, chief operating officer at Eastern Airways, said the change will allow greater flexibility to the airline's customers.
"Customer feedback is very important to us and, as a result, we are making this adjustment to our schedules to meet the needs of our business travellers," he added.
Eastern Airways was recently rated by the Civil Aviation Authority as the most punctual airline operating at Birmingham and Newcastle airports.
Thomas Cook to fly to Tunisia from Leeds Bradford Airport
Thu, 29 Jan, 2009
New flights to Tunisia are being provided by Thomas Cook from Leeds Bradford Airport.
Skyscanner reports the announcement by the airport.
Its marketing and business development manager Sally Ramsey said that people in the area would be able to enjoy "excellent value for money" from the new service.
Thomas Cook will hold the flights from May to October on Sundays.
Facilities at Leeds Bradford Airport include the Yorkshire Executive Club, which gives airport parking as complimentary among its perks.
Members can park in a reserved space located close to the terminal.
Car parking at the airport is secure and on site.
The short stay car park, for people wishing to stay for less than 24 hours, cannot be pre-booked.
Longer stays can be pre-booked over the internet for discounts.
The short stay 1 car park is currently closed for redevelopment.
It will reopen in Easter.
Until then, people staying for 24 hours or less should use the short stay 2 car park.
Airport revamp 'will increase passenger numbers and jobs'
Wed, 05 Nov, 2008
As many as 3,000 new jobs could be created by a proposed multi-million pound investment in Leeds-Bradford Airport, it has been reported.
According to the Yorkshire Post, the five-year £70 million refurbishment plan could increase annual passenger numbers to around the five million mark from 2.9 million.
It is thought that £28 million of the money will go on building a new two-storey terminal, while money will also go trying to improve travel links to the airport.
Commenting on the jobs, John Parkin - chief executive at Leeds-Bradford Airport - remarked: "There are about 2,200 people working on site at the airport now and, roughly speaking, you need 1,000 jobs for every million passengers per annum."
Bradford's Telegraph & Argus reported a slightly less ambitious employment figure of 2,000.
In September, the publication stated that Leeds-Bradford Airport was doing well in the face of the economic downturn, boasting record numbers of passengers.
Plans to be unveiled for Leeds Bradford Airport Expansion
Thu, 30 Oct, 2008
Plans are to be unveiled in a series of meetings next week that will outline a £70 million expansion plan for Leeds Bradford Airport.
The proposals will include internal improvements to the existing terminal and a new two-storey extension costing £28 million, the Wharfedale Observer reports.
Other improvements will include more space for both the baggage reclaim areas and the hold room, as well as providing more shops and arrivals gates.
The news provider quotes a committee report as saying that the expansion is necessary to continue to provide good levels of customer service.
It states: "The proposals will improve the circulation of people throughout the airport and reduce the delays and congestion currently experienced, particularly at peak hours."
It was announced last month that Leeds Bradford Airport had seen record passenger numbers during the month of August, with 345,000 people travelling through its terminal.
This was the largest number of passengers recorded in one month.
Leeds-Bradford celebrates record passenger numbers
Tue, 23 Sep, 2008
Leeds-Bradford Airport experienced record passenger numbers during the month of August, it has been announced.
The northern hub saw 345,000 people travel through its terminal during the four weeks, the most it has ever recorded during one month.
The total number of passengers from May to August was 1.27 million, making it one of the UK's fastest growing airports.
Tony Hallwood, commercial and aviation development director at Leeds-Bradford Airport, said the centre will aim to continue the expansion of its services in 2009 in order to continue such growth.
"We look forward to delivering even more choice for our customers reducing the need to drive across the M62 for their chosen holiday or business destination," he added.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Leeds-Bradford has been nominated for the accolade of Best UK Airport for Leisure in the annual British Travel Awards, which will presented at a ceremony known as the Oscars of the travel industry in London.
Leeds-Bradford Airport nominated for award
Mon, 15 Sep, 2008
Leeds-Bradford Airport has been nominated for a prestigious award in the aviation industry, it has been announced.
The hub is one of ten to be up for the accolade of Best UK Airport for Leisure in the annual British Travel Awards, which will presented at a ceremony known as the Oscars of the travel industry in London.
Tony Hallwood, commercial and aviation development director at Leeds-Bradford Airport, commented: "We are proud to be recognised as delivering our widest ever choice of services to Yorkshire and everyone at the airport will eagerly await the judge's decision in early November."
The news follows an announcement that the airport will offer its first flights to New York with Jet2.com as of November.
Situated in Leeds, West Yorkshire, the airport transported over 2.8 million passengers in 2007 and aims to reach seven million by 2015, as well as adding up to 20 new destinations.
New route opens up from Leeds
Tue, 26 Aug, 2008
Passengers travelling from Leeds-Bradford Airport will soon be able to visit a new city via budget airline Jet2.com, it has been announced.
The carrier is to open a new route from the hub to Dubrovnik in Croatia as of summer 2009, bringing the number of destinations Jet2.com operates from Leeds-Bradford Airport to 40.
Philip Meeson, chief executive of Jet2.com. told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Dubrovnik is an especially exciting addition to our schedule as it is the first time that we have flown into Croatia.
"With its Italian influences and miles of clean, sandy beaches, Croatia is fast becoming one of Europe's leading holiday hot spots."
Dubrovnik is a city on the Adriatic Sea on the southernmost tip of Croatia and is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the region.
The climate along the Dubrovnik Region is a typical Mediterranean one, with mild, rainy winters and hot and dry summers.
Typically, in July and August, daytime maximum temperatures reach 29 degrees C.
'Take advantage of regional hubs'
Tue, 12 Aug, 2008
Holidaymakers and business travellers from the north do not need to travel long distances to catch flights but can take advantage of regional airports.
This is the view of Tony Hallwood, aviation development director at Leeds-Bradford Airport (LBA).
The introduction of new routes and extra flights means that regional airports like LBA are in a position to satisfy passenger demand for domestic and overseas travel.
Moreover, a growing number of Britons are considering the impact on the environment of travelling from the north to London in order to catch a flight.
"Growth from the London airports has really stagnated and that's as a result of congestion, delays and a lack of appropriate infrastructure and people's time is money," he stated.
Britons now want to save time travelling and get to their destination quicker, he added.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, nine regional airports - including LBA, Liverpool John Lennon and Newcastle - handle more than five million passengers a year.
Leeds-Bradford redevelops car parking facilities
Tue, 05 Aug, 2008
Work has started on the first phase of a multi-million pound project to redevelop Leeds-Bradford Airport's car parking facilities.
The relocation of the Yorkshire Executive Club car park, as well as improvements to airport shuttle services and the creation of new taxi zone are expected to be completed in the autumn.
After this, a rapid pick-up and drop-off area will be developed, while the current short-stay car park - with new pedestrian walkway - will be remodelled.
John Parkin, the airport's chief executive, said he is determined to improve the quality of services provided to passengers.
"This investment will deliver a significant enhancement to our car parking and public transport facilities," he added.
According to Leeds-Bradford Airport's website, passenger growth is forecast to slow down to around 3.5 per cent a year from around 2009.
Ryanair confirms new Spanish flights
Tue, 22 Jul, 2008
Budget airline Ryanair is to launch a new service from Leeds-Bradford Airport to Alicante from October 28th.
The airline will fly from the airport to the Costa Blanca city three times every week.
This is in addition to a four-times-a-week service to Girona Airport in Barcelona, starting on October 1st.
Ryanair spokesperson Bridget Dowling said: "Both routes provide exceptional low fares and will deliver record savings for Leeds passengers."
She went on to say that Ryanair's new routes to Barcelona and Alicante will bring a "significant increase" in European visitors and jobs to West Yorkshire.
As part of the launch, passengers will be able fly from £30, including taxes.
Ryanair currently operates three flights a day to Dublin from Leeds-Bradford Monday to Friday and one on Saturdays.
Bridgepoint Capital, the new owners of Leeds-Bradford Airport, recently announced that it intends to increase long-stay car parking spaces from 2,500 to 3,000, reports the Wharfdale Observer.
Extra car parking spaces mooted for Leeds-Bradford
Sun, 06 Jul, 2008
The new owners of Leeds-Bradford Airport have said they will increase long-stay car parking spaces from 2,500 to 3,000.
Bridgepoint Capital, which recently bought the airport, is planning a number of changes, including introducing new flights to the Middle East, Germany and US, reports the Wharfdale Observer.
Aviation development director Tony Hallwood has confirmed the private equity group will spend around £70 million on the airport after paying £145.5 million for it a year ago.
Mr Hallwood told the paper: "We want to make sure Leeds-Bradford International Airport is an airport that Bradford and the whole region can be really proud of."
He also revealed that he wants to increase passenger numbers by two million a year by 2013.
On Wednesday, Pakistan International Airlines launched its first flight from Leeds-Bradford Airport to Islamabad.
The flight will operate every Wednesday and Saturday, providing travel opportunities to tourists and relatives who live in Pakistan or the UK.
Leeds-Bradford to offer new flights to Pakistan
Tue, 17 Jun, 2008
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is to operate flights from Leeds-Bradford Airport to Islamabad from July 2nd, it has been announced.
The flight will operate every Wednesday and Saturday and will provide travel opportunities to tourists and relatives who either live in Pakistan or Britain.
Tony Hallwood, aviation development director at Leeds-Bradford Airport, said the move confirms the airport as Yorkshire's "premier international gateway".
"We are extremely pleased to have secured the services of PIA to deliver this important flagship service," he stated.
"A direct flight to Islamabad, Pakistan by PIA, one the leading international airlines is a major achievement for the airport and we are proud of our success."
Another airline that has increased its flights from Leeds-Bradford Airport is Goldtrail Holidays, which is now offering five services a week to Bodrum, Antalya and Dalaman in Turkey.
No need to travel far for flights, says LBA
Fri, 16 May, 2008
Holidaymakers in the north of the UK do not need to travel long distances to catch flights but can take advantage of the services offered by regional airports, a spokesperson for Leeds-Bradford Airport (LBA) has said.
Tony Hallwood, aviation development director at LBA, said that by introducing new flights, routes and services, regional airports should be able to satisfy passenger demand for internal and international flights.
He also said that a growing number of people are considering the environmental impact of travelling long distances to London to catch flights.
"Growth from the London airports has really stagnated and that's as a result of congestion, delays and a lack of appropriate infrastructure and people's time is money," he stated.
"For obvious reasons, people are now wanting to save time travelling and get to their destination quicker."
Mr Hallwood also said that regional airports have successfully marketed their services. LBA, for example, promotes the fact that its car parking spaces are covered by the Park Mark award.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, nine regional airports, including LBA, Newcastle and Liverpool, handle more than five million passengers every year.
Regional airports 'strengthening their position'
Wed, 14 May, 2008
Regional airports will "without a shadow of a doubt" go from strength to strength, according to a spokesman for Leeds-Bradford Airport (LBA).
Tony Hallwood, commercial development director at LBA, said regional airports were introducing more destinations and a wider range of scheduled flights, reducing the need for people to travel to London.
He also said that LBA offered the most punctual service of any airport in 2007 with a large volume of passengers flying to their destinations on time.
"We've grown a significant number of domestic and international services around Europe and now the focus is on new, longer-haul destinations which have traditionally been served by Heathrow," he stated.
"The top of our priority list will be to directly link Leeds with the United States and New York, which will open up new a range of new linkages across North America."
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, regional airport growth in 2006 was at four per cent, whereas growth for London airports stood at 2.5 per cent.
New Turkish service announced
Mon, 14 Jan, 2008
Goldtrail Holidays has announced it is to expand its services between Leeds-Bradford Airport and Turkey by launching a new route to Antalya.
The weekly flights to the Mediterranean coastal city will depart on Wednesdays from July 2nd to October 29th 2008.
The service will operate alongside Goldtrail's existing flights from Yorkshire to the Turkish destinations of Bodrum and Dalaman, which have both proved popular, according to the airport's marketing and business development manager Sally Ramsey.
She added: "The introduction of the Antalya service offers passengers a chance to visit a new destination and is a fantastic addition to the ever growing range of destinations available from Leeds-Bradford Airport."
A number of new services from Yorkshire to popular coastal holiday resorts have been announced in recent weeks, including Thomas Cook Holidays flights to Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote.
Leeds-Bradford Airport's long-haul services are also set to expand following the confirmation of a Shaheen Air service to the city of Islamabad in Pakistan.
Leeds-Bradford to get Pakistan link
Thu, 10 Jan, 2008
Shaheen Air has announced it is to begin flying on a new route between Leeds-Bradford Airport and the city of Islamabad in Pakistan next month.
The twice-weekly service will take off for the first time on February 7th and return tickets will be available from £460, including all taxes.
John Parkin, the airport's chief executive, said the new service represented the first time people have been able to travel directly from Yorkshire to Pakistan.
He added: "Whether it's for business or pleasure we are sure that this service will be extremely popular and we also look forward to welcoming passengers from Pakistan to Yorkshire."
Earlier in the week Thomas Cook Holidays announced an expansion of its services from Leeds Bradford Airport.
New holiday destinations in its winter 2008-09 schedule include Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote. Its existing summer 2008 programme includes holiday flights to Portugal, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and Malta.
19 airports to lift baggage restrictions
Mon, 31 Dec, 2007
Only 19 of the country's airports have been given the green light to relax baggage restrictions next month, it has emerged.
The government announced in November that the limit of one piece of hand luggage per passenger would be lifted on January 7th 2008, providing airports could prove that security procedures had been improved to sufficient levels.
A number of important sites, including London Gatwick Airport, Leeds-Bradford Airport and Liverpool Airport, have failed to satisfy the Department for Transport that they can cope with the additional carry-on baggage.
The news means airlines that operate from several UK airports will have to decide whether to implement a number of different policies or to stick with the one-bag rule for all flights in an attempt to avoid confusion among customers.
Changes to luggage restrictions are due to come into force on the same day as the first of three planned strikes by workers at BAA's seven UK airports is scheduled to take place.
Leeds-Bradford Airport most punctual
Thu, 25 Oct, 2007
Leeds-Bradford Airport has been named as the most punctual between the months of April and June 2007.
According to figures from the Civil Aviation Authority released by the airport, it had an 89 per cent rate of on-time flights, with average delays of just five minutes.
Peter Willis, operations director at the facility, said: "By working very closely with our airline partners and having strict measures in place, we continually strive to keep flight delays to a minimum."
Indeed, much of this is spurred by the success of Jet2.com, which is the main flight company at Leeds-Bradford Airport and was named as the most punctual low-cost carrier.
Visitors to Leeds-Bradford paying for airport parking may be relieved to know that it is likely their flights will be on time.
Meanwhile, earlier in the month Ryanair announced that two million people have flown with the airline to Dublin from Leeds-Bradford Airport.
Flight frequency increase to Cork
Wed, 03 Oct, 2007
The English-Irish connection will become even stronger soon as a greater number of flights have been announced between Leeds Bradford Airport and Cork.
Flights to one of the Republic of Ireland's most famous southern city will increase from five times a week to daily, as operator Aer Arann celebrates the first anniversary of the services between the two countries.
Head of sales and marketing at Aer Arann Colin Lewis comments that the service has proved well liked by Irish customers.
"Indeed Leeds Bradford continues to be a popular destination for the Irish, both for students or as a gateway to Yorkshire and beyond," he remarks.
He adds that Cork and Galway - another Irish city that Aer Arran flies to from Leeds Bradford - are popular short break destinations.
Communications officer with Leeds Bradford Airport Sam Wynzar commented that the route had greatly enhanced services from the airport.
Galway is situated on the west coast of the country and close to beauty spot Connemara.