Leeds Bradford Airport Guide - Features, Services & Facilities
Content
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is Yorkshire’s busiest airport, serving over 4.3 million passengers annually. Located in Yeadon, roughly 7 miles northwest of Leeds and 9 miles northeast of Bradford, this single-terminal facility connects the region to over 70 destinations across Europe and beyond. As of 2026, the airport operates under the stewardship of Spanish operator Aena (51%) and InfraBridge, following the massive £100m LBA:REGEN project which delivered a new terminal extension in mid-2025.
Introduction: Yorkshire's Gateway
Leeds Bradford Airport is the operational heart of aviation in Yorkshire. Originally known as Yeadon Aerodrome, it has evolved into a critical international hub. In late 2025, the airport saw a major shift in ownership, with Aena partnering with InfraBridge to drive the ambitious regeneration works. While the new terminal extension opened in June 2025, refurbishment of the original 1960s building continues through Winter 2026.
LBA is famed for being the headquarters of Jet2.com, one of the UK's largest leisure airlines. Unlike the sprawling terminals of Manchester, LBA offers a compact, user-friendly experience where check-in to security typically takes minutes. Whether you are flying to Ibiza for the nightlife or commuting to Dublin for business, LBA offers a distinctively friendly Yorkshire welcome.
Recommended Check-In Times
While LBA is efficient, ongoing refurbishment works can sometimes alter passenger flows. Adhering to arrival times is crucial.
- Jet2.com / TUI / Holiday Charters: Arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before departure.
- Ryanair / KLM / EasyJet: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
- Desk Closing Times: Check-in desks typically close strictly 40 minutes before flight time.
- Morning Rush: The airport is busiest between 05:00 AM and 07:30 AM. Allow extra time if traveling during this first wave of departures.
How to Reach LBA Airport?
The airport is situated on the A658, offering good road links, though it notably lacks a direct rail connection.
By Car
- From Leeds: Take the A660 heading north-west, then join the A658.
- From Bradford: Take the A658 north-east directly to the airport.
- Sat Nav Postcode: LS19 7TU.
By Bus (The Flyer)
The dedicated Flyer bus network, operated by Transdev, is the primary public transport link. Note that services cover flight times (approx. 05:00 to midnight) but are not strictly 24/7.
- Flyer A1: Connects Leeds City Centre (Bus Station & Train Station), Kirkstall, and Horsforth to the airport every 20 minutes. Journey time is 35–45 minutes.
- Flyer A2: Connects Bradford, Apperley Bridge, and Harrogate to the airport hourly.
- Flyer A3: Connects Bradford, Shipley, and Guiseley to the airport.
- Tickets: Single fares are capped under the regional fare scheme (approx. £2.00–£3.00), payable via contactless.
By Train
There is no railway station at the airport. You must connect via bus from nearby hubs.
- Leeds Station: The main hub. Catch the Flyer A1 bus from the station interchange.
- Bradford Forster Square: Catch the Flyer A2/A3.
- Apperley Bridge: The closest station geographically, connected via the Flyer A2 bus.
By Car Hire
The Car Rental Centre is located a short distance from the terminal. A free shuttle bus connects passengers to the dedicated rental village. Operators include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, and Hertz.
What is the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Procedure?
LBA offers one of the most generous free options in the UK, provided you are willing to walk a few minutes.
1. Terminal Front Express (Paid Drop-Off)
Located right outside the terminal doors.
- Cost: £7.00 for up to 10 minutes.
- Overstay: Prices escalate rapidly if you stay longer than 10 minutes.
- Payment: Pay at the barrier via contactless card upon exit.
2. One Hour Free Zone (Free Drop-Off)
A dedicated car park for those wishing to avoid fees.
- Location: Mid Stay / Free Zone car park.
- Cost: Free for up to 60 minutes.
- Transfer: It is a 3-5 minute walk to the terminal building via a dedicated pedestrian path.
Which Destinations Does LBA Airport Cover?
Leeds Bradford offers over 70 direct destinations, with a heavy focus on sun and beach holidays, ski routes, and key European city hubs.
Destination Highlights
LBA is the spiritual home of Jet2, offering massive connectivity to Spain, The Canaries, Greece, and Turkey. Multiple daily flights to Dublin (Aer Lingus) and Amsterdam (KLM) allow for one-stop connections to the USA and Asia. Extensive ski routes to Geneva and Salzburg operate during winter.
Complete List of Direct Destination Categories (2026)
| Region | Primary Destinations Served |
|---|---|
| UK & Ireland | Belfast City, Dublin, Jersey (Seasonal). |
| Spain (Mainland) | Alicante, Malaga, Barcelona (Reus/Girona), Almeria, Murcia. |
| Canary Islands | Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura. |
| Balearics | Majorca (Palma), Ibiza, Menorca. |
| Portugal | Faro, Madeira, Porto. |
| Turkey | Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum, Izmir. |
| Greece | Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Zante, Kos, Kefalonia, Santorini, Skiathos. |
| Central Europe | Amsterdam (KLM Hub), Paris (Beauvais), Geneva, Salzburg, Innsbruck. |
| Eastern Europe | Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw, Poznan, Bucharest, Budapest, Riga. |
Which Airlines Fly from Leeds Bradford Airport?
LBA is dominated by two major low-cost carriers but retains crucial flag-carrier links.
Airline Overview
Jet2.com is the largest operator, easily identified by their red and silver aircraft. Ryanair is the second largest, focusing on budget city breaks. KLM provides the vital hub link to Amsterdam, while Aer Lingus connects Yorkshire to North America via Dublin pre-clearance.
Complete List of Airlines
- Jet2.com: Based airline (Leisure/Holidays).
- Ryanair: Low-cost European routes.
- KLM Cityhopper: Daily flights to Amsterdam.
- Aer Lingus Regional: Operated by Emerald Airlines (Dublin & Belfast).
- TUI Airways: Holiday charters.
- Wizz Air: Flights to Poland and Romania.
- SunExpress: Seasonal flights to Turkey.
- easyJet: Routes to Belfast and Geneva.
- Aurigny: Seasonal flights to Guernsey.
What Parking Options Are Available at LBA Airport?
Parking at LBA is known for being close to the terminal, thanks to the airport's compact footprint. All official car parks are Park Mark® certified.
Premium Short Stay
- Location: 1-2 minute walk from the terminal.
- Perks: Includes Fast Track Security passes for up to 4 people.
Short & Mid Stay
- Short Stay: 2-5 minute walk. Best for weekend trips.
- Mid Stay: 3-5 minute walk. A cheaper alternative for 3-4 day trips.
Long Stay
- Location: 7-10 minute walk or a short shuttle bus ride.
- Best For: 1-2 week holidays. This is the most popular option for summer vacations.
Meet & Greet (Viking)
- Service: Drop your car at a dedicated lane near the terminal. Staff park it for you in a secure on-site compound.
SaveOnPark Exclusive: We provide the best Leeds Bradford Airport parking deals. Gate prices at LBA can be steep, especially during the summer peak. By comparing prices on our platform, you can save up to 60% on Official Long Stay and trusted off-site providers like Sentinel Parking. Pre-booking is essential to guarantee a space and secure the lowest rate.
What Facilities Does LBA Airport Provide?
The LBA:REGEN project has transformed the facilities, with the new extension offering bright, modern spaces and runway views.
Shopping
- Retail: World Duty Free, Boots, WHSmith, InMotion, Leeds United Store.
Bar & Restaurants
- Dining: The Saltaire Bar, Burger King, Starbucks, Camden Food Co.
- New Extension: Tap and Brew (Craft beer and kitchen).
Lounges
- The Yorkshire Lounge: Relaxed space with complimentary drinks.
- The 1432 Runway Club: Premium lounge with runway views.
- Six Eight One Lounge: Brand-new premium lounge opened in the terminal extension.
Hotels
- Travelodge: Located on-site, just a 2-minute walk from the terminal.
- Nearby: Premier Inn and Britannia Hotel are a short drive away.
Special Assistance
- Services: OmniServ supports PRM passengers. Assistance points are available in the check-in hall and car parks. The Sunflower Lanyard scheme is fully operational.
Airport Security (2L Liquid Rule)
- Scanner Update: LBA has installed Next Generation (C3) Scanners.
- Liquid Rules: Passengers can now carry liquids up to 2 Litres in their hand luggage. These do not need to be placed in a plastic bag, and laptops can remain inside your cabin bag.
Fast Track
- Security: Bypass the main queue for approx. £7.00 per person. (Free with Premium Short Stay parking).
