Leeds Bradford Airport launches major economic case for investment and connectivity in Yorkshire

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) contributes around £737 million annually to the West Yorkshire economy and supports more than 9,100 jobs, according to a new independent economic assessment being launched today at a major stakeholder event attended by regional political, business and academic leaders.

The report, Driving West Yorkshire's Economy, positions LBA as one of Yorkshire's most significant economic assets, underlining its role in supporting business productivity, attracting investment, enabling international trade and driving tourism growth across Leeds, Bradford and the wider region.

The findings were unveiled today at a stakeholder event in Leeds attended by Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, alongside senior representatives from business, local government, higher education and transport organisations from across the region.

The report finds that:

• LBA contributes £737 million in annual economic value across West Yorkshire
• The airport supports more than 9,100 jobs across the region
• LBA handled nearly 4.5 million passengers in 2025, with ambitions to grow to around 7 million passengers in the early 2030s
• Yorkshire and Humber customers currently make around 9.5 million passenger journeys through airports outside the region, with almost half travelling via Manchester Airport
• Airport-enabled business productivity generates an estimated £129 million of economic value and supports around 750 jobs across West Yorkshire
• Tourism linked to LBA supports approximately £75 million of economic value and 2,840 jobs in West Yorkshire.

The report argues that transformational improvements to surface access, including the proposed LBA Parkway Station, would help unlock even greater economic benefits for Yorkshire, supporting the region's ambitions for growth in high-value sectors including financial and professional services, digital and technology, advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, and the creative industries. While the project faces well-documented funding and delivery challenges, the long-term strategic case for a rail connection to Yorkshire's largest airport remains compelling and enjoys strong support from businesses, stakeholders and communities across the region.

The report also highlights the importance of air connectivity in supporting economic growth, with Yorkshire businesses relying on both direct international services and onward connections through major hub airports to access global markets, attract investment and compete internationally.

Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said:

"This report demonstrates that Leeds Bradford Airport is far more than a transport hub. It is a vital piece of economic infrastructure that supports thousands of jobs, connects Yorkshire businesses to global markets and helps attract investment, visitors and talent into our region.

“The evidence is clear that improving connectivity to the airport is one of the most important opportunities we have to unlock further economic growth for West Yorkshire and Yorkshire as a whole. That is why we remain unequivocally supportive of the proposed LBA Parkway Station. While we recognise the financial pressures and delivery challenges currently facing major infrastructure projects across the UK, the strategic case for this scheme has never been stronger.

“A dedicated rail gateway serving the airport would be transformational for the region. It would improve sustainable access, strengthen connections between our towns and cities, support inward investment, boost productivity and help ensure Yorkshire remains competitive on a national and international stage.

“Importantly, the benefits extend far beyond the airport itself. The proposed station has the potential to unlock the North West Leeds Employment Hub (NWLEH), supporting new jobs, attracting business investment and creating opportunities for communities across the region. This is not simply an investment in airport connectivity; it is an investment in one of Yorkshire's most significant future growth opportunities.

“We strongly support the work being undertaken by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and regional partners to identify a viable route forward, but we must also maintain momentum. The economic benefits of this project are too significant to put on hold. We encourage all stakeholders to work together with urgency and determination to turn ambition into delivery. Every year of delay represents a missed opportunity for jobs, investment and growth.

“Yorkshire has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver infrastructure that supports the airport, unlocks a major employment hub and strengthens the regional economy for decades to come. We believe now is the time for collective action to make LBA Parkway Station a reality as quickly as possible."

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:

"Leeds Bradford Airport is West Yorkshire’s gateway to the world, and this report demonstrates the important role it plays in supporting jobs, growing our economy and connecting our businesses and communities.

“Strengthening connectivity, both within our region and internationally, is essential as we compete on the global stage for trade and investment.

“We are working hard to realise ambitions for a parkway station to serve the airport and will continue working with all partners to find the best solution to improve access.”

Phil Ward, Chief Operations Officer at Jet2 said:

“We have been proudly operating from Leeds Bradford Airport since 2003, flying millions of customers on their well-deserved holidays in that time, and our longstanding commitment to the airport and the wider region has never been stronger.

“As a result of our continued success, we employ thousands of colleagues across the region, providing fantastic careers for local people across a range of highly skilled areas. As this report very clearly demonstrates, the airport is a critical economic asset, and its continued success will deliver positive benefits that are felt right across West Yorkshire and the wider region.”

The report highlights that Leeds Bradford Airport is investing more than £200 million of private investment in facilities and infrastructure as part of plans to accommodate future growth and improve the passenger experience.

The report also identifies improved surface access as one of the most significant opportunities to unlock additional economic growth from the airport. It highlights the proposed LBA Parkway Station as a potentially transformative piece of regional infrastructure that could support more sustainable journeys, improve accessibility for passengers and employees, strengthen business connectivity and enhance the region's attractiveness to investors and visitors.

The launch event will bring together senior figures from organisations including the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds City Council, Bradford Council, the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Northern Powerhouse Partnership, CBI Yorkshire & Humber, Jet2, KPMG, Leeds Trinity University, the University of York and the University of Bradford.

ENDS

Notes to editors

About the report

Driving West Yorkshire's Economy assesses the economic contribution of Leeds Bradford Airport to Leeds, West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the UK. It examines the airport's role in supporting jobs, productivity, investment, business travel, tourism and regional growth.

It can be accessed here: www.supportlba.co.uk

Key figures

• £737m annual economic impact in West Yorkshire
• 9,100 jobs supported across West Yorkshire
• 4.5 million passengers in 2025
• 7 million passenger ambition by 2030
• £200m investment programme.