A REGIONAL UK airport is to undergo its biggest ever revamp since it opened in the late 1960s.
The £100million overhaul at Leeds Bradford Airport is being split into two phases, with the first part set for completion later this year.
The first phase of the huge revamp will see a larger baggage reclaim area, faster security, new shops, restaurants and more seating for passengers.
More aircraft stands (parking spaces for planes) will also be installed under the phase one plans.
Meanwhile, the second phase of the airport’s renovation will see the terminal get its first major improvement since it opened in 1968.
The refurbishment will see new security and arrivals facilities fitted alongside more duty-free shops, bars and restaurants.
Other practical features, like staircases, lifts and escalators will also be installed, helping to create a new, brighter, terminal.
Chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, Vincent Hodder, told the BBC: “The first major improvement to our terminal since its opening in 1968 is long overdue.
“It’s vitally important to upgrade LBA to the world-class facility Yorkshire deserves.”
The terminal will be refurbished in phases to limit passenger disruption, with the project set to be complete by nextwinter.
Farrans Construction, who were the developers for phase one, will be responsible for overseeing phase two of the airport’s renovation.
The huge expansion comes as passenger numbers continue to rise.
In 2024, the airport welcomed 4.24million passengers, a 5.8 per cent rise on the previous year.
The extra aircraft stands could lead to more flights taking off from the regional hub.
Last year, Mr Hodder revealed plans to launch long-haul flights.
He told the BBC: “We’re already having those conversations with airlines from North America and the Middle East about how we can collectively work together to make those things happen over the next two to three years.
“I would be disappointed if by 2027 we did not have flights to North America and the Middle East.”
Destinations like New York, Boston, Chicago, Jeddah, Oman and Dubai are all being considered but no new long-haul routes have been confirmed so far.
More flights to Europe including direct flights to Paris have been introduced.
Low-cost airline easyJet launched its route last October with twice-weekly flights operating until March.
Three Other UK Airports Getting Renovated
HERE are three other airports in the UK currently undergoing multi-million-pound renovations.
London Stansted
Last year, London Stansted Airport confirmed its plans for the £1.1 billion renovation. The Ryanair hub will be extending its main terminal. £500million will be put into improving the current terminal and the rest of the airport.
Bristol Airport
A renovation at Bristol Airport will also see its terminal size increase. The £400 million revamp follows a record number of people travelling through the airport, welcoming 10 million passengers in a 12-month period for the first time ever.
Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport is currently being revamped. The £1.3billion project was first announced back in 2015, with work being split into two phases.
Meanwhile, Heathrow recently revealed plans to expand two of its terminals as part of multi-billion renovation – here’s everything we know so far.
And Manchester Airport is currently undergoing a £1.3billion renovation.
