Leeds Bradford Airport contributes an estimated £737m a year to the West Yorkshire economy and supports more than 9,100 jobs, according to a new economic assessment published by the airport.
image: Leeds Bradford Airport (Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive, Leeds Bradford Airport; West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin; Phil Ward, Chief Operations Officer, Jet2)
The report, Driving West Yorkshire’s Economy, examines the airport’s contribution to employment, business productivity, tourism and regional connectivity. It also argues that improved surface access, including a proposed railway station, could support further economic growth.
The assessment says the airport handled nearly 4.5m passengers in 2025, with ambitions to grow to around seven million passengers in the early 2030s. It estimates that airport-enabled business productivity generates £129m in economic value and supports about 750 jobs in West Yorkshire, while tourism linked to the airport contributes around £75m and supports 2,840 jobs.
The report also estimates that people in Yorkshire and the Humber make around 9.5m passenger journeys through airports outside the region each year, almost half of them via Manchester Airport.
It identifies improved surface access as a potential way to retain more of that demand within the region and strengthen connections between the airport, businesses and communities.
A central recommendation is progress on the proposed Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway station. The scheme would provide a rail connection on the Leeds–Harrogate line, with a shuttle bus linking the station to the airport terminal.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority board at the end of October endorsed continued development of the project, including preparation of a full business case, ground investigations and work to identify a funding strategy.
Airport chief executive Vincent Hodder said improved connectivity could support investment, employment and regional growth. West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said the combined authority would continue working with partners to identify the best solution for improving access to the airport.
The airport is also investing more than £200m in facilities and infrastructure to accommodate future growth and improve the passenger experience.