Economic Boost And New Rail Link Proposed For Yorkshire's Largest Airport

A new economic report reveals Leeds Bradford Airport contributes £737 million annually to the regional economy and argues that a dedicated rail link could unlock further growth across Yorkshire.

Annual economic benefits worth £737 million flow into West Yorkshire from its largest airport. A new independent economic assessment, launched at a major stakeholder event in Leeds, reveals the scale of Leeds Bradford Airport's financial impact, alongside the 9,100 jobs it supports across the region.

Passenger numbers reached nearly 4.5 million in 2025, with airport officials outlining ambitions to increase this figure to around 7 million by the early 2030s. However, the report highlights that passengers from Yorkshire and the Humber currently make around 9.5 million journeys through airports outside the region, with almost half of those travellers opting for Manchester Airport.

Business productivity enabled by the airport generates an estimated £129 million and supports around 750 jobs. Meanwhile, airport-linked tourism brings in approximately £75 million and sustains 2,840 jobs.

Transformational improvements to surface access will unlock even greater economic benefits, according to the report. A proposed Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway Station is highlighted as a key project to support growth in high-value sectors, despite facing funding and delivery challenges. More than £200 million of private investment is already being poured into facilities and infrastructure at the airport to accommodate future growth and improve the passenger experience.

Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, Vincent Hodder, 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."

Chief Operations Officer at Jet2, Phil Ward, 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."