AS PART of a £100million revamp, the terminal at Leeds Bradford Airport will undergo its biggest-ever renovation since it opened in the late 1960s.

The multi-million pound overhaul at the regional airport is being split into two phases, with the first part set for completion later this year.

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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.

The 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 its overhaul set for completion next winter.

Farrans Construction, who were the developers for phase one, will be responsible for overseeing phase two of the airport’s renovation.

The huge expansion will come as the regional UK airport sees its passenger numbers continue to rise.

In 2024, the airport welcomed 4.24million passengers, a rise of 5.8 per cent on the previous year.

The additional aircraft stands, which will be installed in the first phase of the airport’s renovation, could result in more flights from the regional travel hub.

Last year, airport boss, Vincent Hodder, revealed plans to start long-haul flights from the airport.

He said conversations were happening with airlines about the longer 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 under the proposal.

Despite the whispers, no new long-haul routes have been confirmed.

Even though no long-haul routes have been scheduled, more flights to Europe have been introduced at the regional airport like a direct service to Paris.

Low-cost airline easyJet launched its route last October with twice-weekly flights operating until March.

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.

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