Leeds Bradford Airport team gears up for phase two
With the first stage of the £100m LBA:Regen project complete, redevelopment works on the original terminal building are being lined up.
Farrans Construction is again the main contractor on phase two. Multi-disciplinary consultancy EDGE led on project, programme and cost management, delivering phase one between September 2023 and June 2025, and will fulfil the same role on phase two.
The first phase of LBA:Regen saw the delivery of a new 102,000 sq ft arrivals facility, which began welcoming passengers this summer.
This extension block features a baggage reclaim area, a secure passport control zone, enhanced seating capacity with runway views, multiple food and drink options, and two premium lounges.
Vincent Hodder, chief executive 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 LBA. It’s an exciting time for our employees, stakeholders, and business partners.”
To keep the airport fully operational, EDGE formulated a 15-stage phased delivery strategy – balancing construction targets with the needs of passengers, airlines and on-site staff.
The majority of construction activities were delivered landside to avoid disruption to airside operations. Several of the EDGE team were based on the site throughout the lifecycle of the project.
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.
“Our project team remained hands-on and agile, finding solutions with the client team to deliver this ambitious programme while maintaining full airport functionality.”
Phase two covers the refurbishment of the airport’s original terminal, which first opened in 1968, along with the development of connecting infrastructure between key terminal areas. In contrast to phase one, this stage must be delivered within a live operational environment, requiring works to be carefully staged to minimise disruption during the airport’s busiest times.
The full airport refurbishment is due for completion by the end of 2026, and will deliver a significant increase in terminal floorspace, retail capacity, seating, luggage handling, and security facilities, boosting Leeds Bradford’s punching power in the travel market.
Post-works, the airport will be able to accommodate up to 6.8m passengers annually – a 75% increase, making it larger than the likes of Belfast International, East Midlands, Newcastle and Liverpool’s airports.
“Airports today face a complex mix of operational, commercial and environmental challenges,” added Parkinson.
“Our continuing work at Leeds Bradford and other major UK airports demonstrates a track record and capability to manage these multifaceted projects – bringing together the right expertise, procurement strategies, and delivery models to meet evolving demands.”
