Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has announced Farrans Construction as the contractor for construction works in phase two of its £100 million regeneration project.
The project aims to transform the terminal facilities to “dramatically improve the passenger experience and help unlock economic growth for the region,” said a spokesperson for LBA.
Phase one of the project, a new terminal extension, is due to handover in the summer of 2025.
The second phase, a refurbishment of the existing terminal, is expected to complete in winter 2026.
Farrans Construction, a building and civil engineering firm, is currently on-site completing phase one, which involves the construction of the 9,500m2, three-storey terminal extension.
This will provide more seating, faster security, new shops and eateries, and a larger baggage reclaim area and immigration hall.
It will also improve access for passengers with restricted mobility.
Phase two will see Farrans undertake a refurbishment of the current terminal, with work carried out in sub-phases in an effort to minimise disruption.
The improvements include the creation of new staircases, lifts, and escalators, giving the terminal an open-plan feel.
There will also be remodelled internal spaces, brand new security and arrivals facilities, World Duty Free, and shops, bars, and restaurants.
The regeneration project has the potential to create 1,500 new direct jobs at LBA, with an additional 4,000 new indirect jobs, by 2030, as well as contribute a total of £940 million to the local economy – according to data LBA says it has collected from York Aviation analysis.
Vincent Hodder, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Farrans on phase two of our LBA:REGEN project.
“We’ve already created a strong working relationship with the team on phase one and as we transition into phase two, we’re excited to be able to take our customers along with us on this journey.
“It’s also an opportunity to let our customers know that while this important work gets underway, there will be temporary changes to the terminal while we deliver this new and improved customer experience.
“LBA:REGEN is the first major improvement to our terminal since its opening in 1968 and is long overdue.
“It’s vitally important to upgrade LBA to the world-class facility Yorkshire deserves.”
According to a spokesperson for LBA, this year, the airport is expected to contribute a total of £460 million to the local economy, directly employing 2,100 people and indirectly supporting 4,500 jobs.
