Aena expands UK airport portfolio at Leeds Bradford and Newcastle

Spanish airport operator Aena SME, SA is to acquire a majority stake in the holding company that owns Leeds Bradford Airport and a significant interest in Newcastle International Airport, further expanding its footprint in the UK regional aviation market.

image: Newcastle Airport

The transaction, valued at approximately £270m, has been agreed with infrastructure investment manager InfraBridge and is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Under the terms of the deal, Aena will purchase 51% of the newly formed holding company that holds 100 per cent of Leeds Bradford Airport and 49% of Newcastle Airport, while InfraBridge will retain a 49% share and continue as a strategic partner. Both airports are freehold assets and are expected to continue operating independently.

The investment builds on Aena’s existing UK presence, where it already holds a 51% stake in London Luton Airport. Combined with the latest acquisitions, the operator will be responsible for facilities that together handled an estimated 26.5m passengers in the most recent reporting period, with Luton at around 17m and Leeds Bradford and Newcastle collectively serving approximately 9.5m.

Aena’s chairman and chief executive described the expansion as a strategic step in markets with significant potential, citing the company’s long-standing experience in airport operations and its selective growth approach. The extended partnership with InfraBridge – which also holds interests in London Luton – underlines a broader commitment to the UK aviation sector.

The transaction is expected to complete once regulatory and other customary closing conditions are satisfied, with no immediate changes announced to the operational management of either airport.