The history of Leeds Bradford Airport

The early years of Leeds Bradford Airport is closely linked with the Second World War. During the war years more than 4,500 aircraft were built at the adjacent Avro Factory. In order that these aircraft could be test-flown, two runways, taxiways and flight test hangars were built at Leeds Bradford Airport.

In the post war period, Leeds Bradford Airport resumed civilian flights in 1947, and in 1953 Yeadon Aviation Ltd was formed to operate the Airport.

Leeds Bradford Airport continued to grow steadily over the next few years with the first daily London service starting in 1960. Aer Lingus also began to operate a service to Dublin from Leeds Airport.

In 1963, after a public enquiry, work began on a new runway at Leeds Bradford Airport which was completed in 1965.

The next milestone in the development of Leeds Bradford Airport was the start of inclusive tour holiday flights in 1976, with flights to the Iberian Peninsula by Britannia Airways on behalf of Thomson Holidays.

In 1978 a Government White Paper on Airport Policy identified that Yorkshire could sustain a Category B regional airport, and concluded that would be Leeds Bradford Airport. The following year a Public Inquiry was held to consider the planning application to extend the runway and terminal facilities, and in December 1980 the Secretary of State approved the application but imposed a restriction on operating hours.

Construction work at Leeds Bradford Airport started in 1982 as part of the £23 million scheme.

In 1987, Leeds Bradford Airport was converted into a limited company under the provisions of the Airports Act 1986 and the five metropolitan councils of West Yorkshire became the shareholders of the new company. Leeds and Bradford each own 40% and Wakefield, Calderdale and Kirklees share equally the remaining 20%.

In 1996 Leeds Bradford 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.

December 2002 marked the announcement of the new low cost services to be launched from Leeds Bradford Airport by Jet2 with 4,737 aircraft operating initially to Alicante, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Malaga, Milan, Nice and Palma. It is anticipated that Jet 2 will generate significant growth in passenger throughput over the next 3 financial years.


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