The work, which forms part of the LBA:Regen project, has seen the installation of a new arrivals facility.
That facility, measuring 102,000 square feet, includes a new baggage reclaim area, a secure passport control zone, upgraded seating with runway views, new food and drink offerings, and two new premium passenger lounges.
Property and construction consultancy EDGE was responsible for project, programme, and cost management for LBA:Regen’s first phase.
Property and construction consultancy EDGE was responsible for project, programme, and cost management for the first phase of LBA:Regen (Image: Supplied)
Several of EDGE’s management experts from its Leeds and Nottingham offices were involved, with a number of the team basing themselves on site throughout the lifecycle of the project.
Work on the first phase was carried out from September 2023 to June 2025, with the airport remaining fully operational throughout thanks to a “15-stage phased delivery strategy” – which sought to balance construction targets with the needs of passengers, airlines, and airport staff.
Most work was completed landside to avoid disrupting airside operations.
Gordon Parkinson, senior project manager at EDGE, said: “This has been one of the most complex but rewarding projects EDGE has ever undertaken.
“It required round-the-clock collaboration with stakeholders, ranging from baggage handlers and food operators to UK Border Force and the airport’s operational teams.”
With Phase 1 complete, EDGE is now embarking on Phase 2, which involves both refurbishing the airport’s original terminal (first opened in 1968) and developing infrastructure to connect key terminal areas.
Unlike the first phase, Phase 2 will need to be delivered in what a spokesperson called a “live operational environment,” with attempts to be made to minimise disruption during the airport’s busiest times.
The new arrivals facility features a new baggage reclaim area, a secure passport control zone, upgraded seating with runway views, new food and drink offerings, and two new premium passenger lounges (Image: Supplied)
Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We are delighted to see our new terminal extension open and operational.
“It has been an incredible journey to get here, and we know our customers are going to get a completely new experience from Leeds Bradford Airport.
“It’s an exciting time for our employees, stakeholders, and business partners.”
EDGE is now beginning Phase 2 of LBA:Regen, which will involve refurbishing the original terminal and developing connecting infrastructure between important terminal areas (Image: Supplied)
The full refurbishment is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
It is hoped that the airport will then be able to accommodate up to 6.8 million passengers per year – a 75 per cent increase on the current figure, according to a spokesperson.
Such an annual passenger figure would make the airport “larger than the likes of Belfast International, East Midlands, Newcastle, and Liverpool airports,” again according to a spokesperson.