Work begins on £11m Leeds Bradford airport makeover

Morgan Sindall started work today on an £11m building plan designed to improve passenger facilities at Leeds Bradford International Airport.

The developments include an extended departure lounge and new shops at the airport’s main terminal at Yeadon, near Leeds.

Morgan Sindall’s Leeds office will carry out the principal construction work, which will employ over 100 construction workers at the airport and support further jobs through the supply chain.

John Parkin, chief executive of Leeds Bradford airport, said the plans mark an “important milestone” in the airport’s development, and that passengers will notice a “profound change”.

He added that he hoped the improvements would encourage people living nearby to fly from their local airport, rather than using others. 

The terminal development will provide a 65% increase in space over two floors. A new covered walkway will be created as part of the works, allowing passengers to reach aircraft from the terminal.

Almost 3 million passengers use the airport each year, and it provides direct services to about 70 destinations in 22 countries.

The construction programme is scheduled to complete in summer 2012.