Leeds Bradford Airport contributes £737m to regional economy annually

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 16:39 · Archive

Leeds Bradford Airport injects £737 million into the regional economy each year and supports more than 9,100 jobs, according to a new independent economic assessment. The report was launched at a stakeholder event in Leeds attended by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and senior figures from business, academia and government.

The airport handled nearly 4.5 million passengers in 2025 and aims to grow that number to around seven million by the early 2030s. The report, Driving West Yorkshire's Economy, highlights the airport's role in supporting business productivity, attracting investment, enabling international trade and driving tourism growth. Airport-enabled business productivity generates £129 million of economic value and supports around 750 jobs, whilst tourism linked to the airport contributes around £75 million and supports 2,840 jobs.

Vincent Hodder, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said the facility is 'far more than a transport hub' and represents 'vital piece of economic infrastructure that supports thousands of jobs, connects Yorkshire businesses to global markets and helps attract investment, visitors and talent'. Ms Brabin called for strengthened connectivity and said the authority is 'working hard to realise ambitions for a parkway station to serve the airport'. The report calls for major investment in surface access, including the proposed LBA Parkway Station, which would connect the airport to the rail network.

How it is being reported

• Leeds Bradford Airport's astonishing contribution to regional economy revealedLEEDS Bradford Airport injects £737 million into the regional economy each year and supports more than 9,100 jobsWharfedale Observer · 2 Nov, 15:59
• Leeds Bradford Airport's astonishing contribution to regional economy revealedLEEDS Bradford Airport injects £737 million into the regional economy each year and supports more than 9,100 jobsTelegraph & Argus · 2 Nov, 13:55

In this story: Leeds Bradford Airport · West Yorkshire · Tracy Brabin · Vincent Hodder · Yorkshire

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