Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in Yorkshire, UK, is undergoing expansion as part of the Leeds Bradford Airport Regeneration (LBA:REGEN) programme.
Operated by Leeds Bradford Airport Limited and owned by infrastructure investment manager InfraBridge, LBA is the sole commercial airport in Yorkshire.
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LBA:REGEN is being delivered in two phases, with the first phase comprising the extension to the existing terminal and the second phase including a refurbishment of current facilities.
Works on the £100m ($121.41m) terminal extension, known as the X25 building, began in late 2023.
The first phase was completed and opened to passengers in June 2025. The overall Leeds Bradford Airport Regeneration programme is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Upon completion, the project will increase retail space by 76%, boost the number of security lanes by 50%, expand immigration capacity by 25% and improve accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.
LBA:REGEN forms part of the airport’s Vision 2030 strategy, supported by £200m of private investment, and is estimated to create up to 5,500 new jobs and deliver around £1bn to the local economy.
LBA:REGEN: phase one expansion details
Phase one of the LBA:REGEN programme comprised a 9,500m² (102,257ft²), three-storey extension to the terminal building. The works relocated the central search area to a new central position within the existing terminal.
The extension increased the floor area by 38% and boosted seating capacity by 83%. It implemented a modernised arrivals procedure featuring an upgraded passport‑control facility equipped with improved security technology.
Travellers now have access to new retail and dining outlets, the UK Border Force immigration hall and a pair of premium lounges, one of which is the new Six Eight One Premium Lounge.
The scheme also delivered additional lavatory facilities and improved air conditioning.
A new baggage-reclaim system serving both international and domestic flights boosts reclaim capacity by 77%. The project also expanded the immigration zone, which is now 350% larger than the previous facility.
LBA:REGEN: Phase two details
The second phase of the LBA:REGEN project, which includes a full refurbishment of the airport’s current facilities, is currently under development.
The scope of works encompasses new stairways, lifts and escalators, creating an open‑plan layout to harmonise with the terminal extension.
Internal areas are being reconfigured to enhance passenger flows, and the scheme provides brand-new security and arrivals facilities, plus bars and restaurants.
This phase also delivers enhanced check-in facilities and expanded duty‑free, retail and arrivals zones.
As part of the second phase, the airport will open a new airside multi‑faith room.
The works are being carried out in several sub‑phases to reduce disruption to passengers and maintain near‑normal airport operations.
A relocated meet‑and‑greet parking space and revised bus pick‑up and drop‑off arrangements have also been put in place.
Financing
InfraBridge and LBA secured a new £160m financing package in May 2025 to drive forward the terminal expansion and upgrade project.
The arrangement refinances existing facilities and provides an enlarged capital expenditure line, enabling LBA to execute its long‑term growth strategy while delivering an overhaul of the terminal.
LBA:REGEN sustainable features
The regeneration will help LBA further decarbonise its operations, as set out in the airport’s 2030 Net Zero Carbon Roadmap. It includes the installation of new all‑electric heating, lighting and equipment such as modern baggage belts.
Airlines are anticipated to accelerate the introduction of their newest, quickest and most fuel‑efficient aircraft at the airport, which is expected to reduce the overall environmental footprint of LBA’s operations.
Contractors involved
Farrans Construction completed the project’s first phase and has been awarded the contract for the second phase.
For phase one, Farrans worked in partnership with Howard Civil Engineering. Their scope encompassed piled reinforced foundations, site-wide services and drainage, and retaining structures featuring a dual off-site water connection.
Farrans engaged IRWIN M&E to install the complete mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for the terminal extension. EDGE acted as cost and project manager for the X25 project.
Watson Batty Architects served as lead designer and, in collaboration with LBA and its stakeholders, carried out a feasibility study for the new terminal extension.
For the second phase, Farrans has partnered with Cladproof Roofing & Cladding, which will collaborate with its supplier Kingspan Insulated Panels UK & Ireland.
LBA owner InfraBridge received financial advice from retail and commercial bank NatWest on a financing package for the scheme.
Other key contractors and consultants involved in the project include design services provider Millar Design + Management, structural engineer Dudleys Consulting Engineers, steelwork contractor Elland Steel Structures and steel supplier/engineer ASD Westok.
Suppliers involved in the project include Camfaud Concrete Pumps, Civils & Lintels and Raised Floor Solutions.
Future developments
Additional works at LBA include a £50m runway upgrade, a new airport hotel, a new rail station, enlarged and upgraded car-parking facilities, and aircraft modernisation programmes.
Plans are also in place to invest in the current airfield for the development of up to ten extra aircraft stands for overnight LBA-based aircraft.