Latest news with #VincentHodder
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Expanded terminal at Leeds Bradford Airport officially opens
Leeds Bradford Airport has celebrated the opening of its newly expanded terminal. The airport marked the opening with an event hosted by CEO Vincent Hodder and attended by Katie White, MP for Leeds North West, as well as representatives from such organisations as Bradford City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and Jet2. Mr Hodder said: "It was an honour to have some of our most valued business partners with us to celebrate this historic milestone for Leeds Bradford Airport. "It has been an incredible journey to get here, and we know our customers are now enjoying a completely new experience from Leeds Bradford Airport. "It's an exciting time for us too - for our employees, stakeholders, and business partners. "The opening of this building is a huge achievement for all involved." The new terminal extension introduces what is described as a "modernised arrivals process," with a new baggage reclaim area and passport control facility, an 83 per cent increase in seating (including "uninterrupted views of the runway"), and a broader food and drink offering. Ms White said: "This £100 million investment in the airport is a real boost for West Yorkshire. "Leeds Bradford is where so many people start their holidays, visit family, or travel for work. "They deserve a smooth, welcoming experience. "We want the airport to reflect who we are: warm, proud, and open for business. "A modern terminal creates good jobs and shows visitors what we're all about." Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, said: "It was a pleasure to officially open the new terminal at Leeds Bradford Airport and see the improvements they've made for passengers. "West Yorkshire is thriving, and I am delighted to have a new, welcoming gateway that allows more people to enjoy all our region has to offer." Work has now started on the second phase of the project, which will see the refurbishment of the existing terminal. Leeds Bradford Airport is owned by InfraBridge and operated by Leeds Bradford Airport Limited. Airlines at the airport includeJet2, Ryanair, easyJet, Aer Lingus, KLM, Wizz Air, Tui, and SunExpress. The terminal expansion is part of LBA's Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to harness £200 million in private investment, create up to 5,500 jobs, and and contribute "nearly £1 billion" to the local economy. Further information about Leeds Bradford Airport can be found at
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
UK airport's baffling passport warning after huge £100m extension update
One of the UK's busiest airports has resorted to issuing a seemingly bizarre warning after unveiling its new e-gates, as the hub continues with its major £100m regeneration scheme A long-awaited revamp to a tiny UK airport has resulted in a rather strange passport warning being issued to Brits. Earlier this month, Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) revealed it had completed the first phase of its ambitious terminal expansion project, which is slated to cost a whopping £100 million. The upgrade boasts a host of new facilities including additional seating, two new lounges, an improved baggage reclaim area, and an upgraded passport control area. The new terminal, which all arriving and departing passengers will go through, has 83 per cent more seating, a range of food and drink offerings including a Burger King and a new bar, as well as a brand new Six Eight One Premium Lounge. LBA chief executive officer Vincent Hodder said it was the 'first major improvement to our terminal since its opening in 1968 and is long overdue'. Details of the refurbishment were first announced back in 2018 as part of bold plans to create a new terminal at the south end of the runway. However, the original blueprints were axed several years later due to 'excessive delays'. Buildings for the new extension then started in 2023. Part of the upgrade also includes new e-gates - which have appeared to have sparked confusion online. In a recent TikTok video, LBA showed off the machines, which require passengers to scan their boarding pass before being allowed through automatic gates, stating: "Do you hear that? You don't need your passport. You don't need your passport. You don't need your passport." LBA captioned the post: "You only need your boarding card (paper or digital) to go through our e-gates, NOT your passport!" However, some viewers misconstrued the post into thinking they no longer need to bring their passports along to the airport at all. "How would one get back [to the UK] if one never took a passport?" one person commented. Another wrote: "Oh this ain't going to go down well when people start turning up without passports," while a third pointed out: "Bold move from the graphic design team." Others criticised the airport for relying on the 'common sense' of the public to understand the post properly. The airport clarified in the comments section, that travellers 'obviously' do need a passport to leave the country, and that the post was explicitly referencing the e-gates. In a separate video, the hub joked about the confusion with a video captioned: "Can't believe we've got to say this but please don't try [and] travel without your passport..." Speaking to the Mirror about the humorous TikTok videos, a spokesperson for LBA said: "It's often best to take a light-hearted approach with some of the more routine airport processes that help us ensure customers are prepped and ready to travel in the best possible way. We've recently shared some light-hearted content to help customers use our newly installed security e-gates as well as responding to customers wanting to smoke after security. "For most, travelling through an airport is a fun time. We want to ensure customers have the necessary information to help make their journey run as smoothly as possible."
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
New UK airport terminal opens today after £100million expansion – with faster security and more restaurants
Plus, one of Europe's busiest airports is getting a new £3.6bn terminal next year offering a 'glimpse into future of travel' TAKE OFF New UK airport terminal opens today after £100million expansion – with faster security and more restaurants LEEDS Bradford Airport (LBA) has announced the opening of its new terminal today. The first phase of the airport's £100million expansion has been finished which means all passengers arriving and departing from the airport will experience the upgraded facilities. Advertisement 3 Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has announced the opening of its new terminal today Credit: hatchagency 3 This is the first phase of the airport's £100million expansion project Credit: hatchagency These included a more modern arrivals process which includes a new baggage reclaim area and an upgraded passport control facility with new technologies. The airport also claims there is 83 per cent more seating and a wider offering of food and drink venues. Passengers can also now use two premium lounges, including a new Six Eight One Premium Lounge. The airport also shared that the second phase of the project at the airport has now begun, with a focus on refurbishing the existing terminal. Advertisement However, passengers should expect to see some changes at the airport in the coming months at the airport, especially with those departing from the airport. When travellers arrive, they will notice some of the work including a relocated meet and greet parking area and changes to the bus pick-up and drop-off zones. Back in March the airport released graphics of what parts of the new terminal look like, including sleek and stylish dining areas. Once the project is fully complete in 2026, there will be 39 per cent more floorspace, 76 per cent more retail space, 83 per cent more seating, 77 per cent increase in luggage reclaim belt capacity and 50 per cent more security lanes. Advertisement Vincent Hodder, CEO, Leeds Bradford Airport commented: "We are delighted to see our new terminal extension open and operational today. "It has been an incredible journey to get here, and we know our customers are going to get a completely new experience from LBA from today. The new £7billion mega terminal opening at Changi Airport "[T]he opening of this building is a huge achievement for all involved." John Cunliffe, commercial director of Leeds Bradford Airport commented: "Today is a huge milestone for Leeds Bradford Airport. Advertisement "Our new terminal is officially open and ready to welcome passengers, offering improve facilities and enabling us to deliver an enhanced experience for passengers in the region. "As we transition into Phase 2 of the project, the changes will impact the usual passenger flows, and we'd like to thank passengers in advance for their understanding." Another major UK airport's plans for millions more passengers ahead of £1.1bn expansion – with new flights to Europe this year. Plus, one of Europe's busiest airports is getting a new £3.6bn terminal next year offering a 'glimpse into future of travel'. Advertisement
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
New UK airport terminal opens today after £100million expansion – with faster security and more restaurants
LEEDS Bradford Airport (LBA) has announced the opening of its new terminal today. The first phase of the airport's £100million expansion has been finished which means all passengers arriving and departing from the airport will experience the upgraded facilities. 3 These included a more modern arrivals process which includes a new baggage reclaim area and an upgraded passport control facility with new technologies. The airport also claims there is 83 per cent more seating and a wider offering of food and drink venues. Passengers can also now use two premium lounges, including a new Six Eight One Premium Lounge. The airport also shared that the second phase of the project at the airport has now begun, with a focus on refurbishing the existing terminal. However, passengers should expect to see some changes at the airport in the coming months at the airport, especially with those departing from the airport. When travellers arrive, they will notice some of the work including a relocated meet and greet parking area and changes to the bus pick-up and drop-off zones. Back in March the airport released graphics of what parts of the new terminal look like, including sleek and stylish dining areas. Once the project is fully complete in 2026, there will be 39 per cent more floorspace, 76 per cent more retail space, 83 per cent more seating, 77 per cent increase in luggage reclaim belt capacity and 50 per cent more security lanes. Vincent Hodder, CEO, Leeds Bradford Airport commented: "We are delighted to see our new terminal extension open and operational today. "It has been an incredible journey to get here, and we know our customers are going to get a completely new experience from LBA from today. The new £7billion mega terminal opening at Changi Airport "[T]he opening of this building is a huge achievement for all involved." John Cunliffe, commercial director of Leeds Bradford Airport commented: "Today is a huge milestone for Leeds Bradford Airport. "Our new terminal is officially open and ready to welcome passengers, offering improve facilities and enabling us to deliver an enhanced experience for passengers in the region. "As we transition into Phase 2 of the project, the changes will impact the usual passenger flows, and we'd like to thank passengers in advance for their understanding." Another major UK airport's plans for millions more passengers ahead of £1.1bn expansion – with new flights to Europe this year. Plus, one of Europe's busiest airports is getting a new £3.6bn terminal next year offering a 'glimpse into future of travel'. 3
BBC News
17-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Leeds Bradford Airport's £100m extension opens to passengers
A long-awaited extension to Leeds Bradford Airport's (LBA) terminal building has been opened to £100m project is the largest investment yet in facilities at the airport and increased space in customer areas by about 40%, LBA new boarding gates have been added to the airport along with a new immigration area, baggage collection hall, food and drink outlets and an 83% boost in chief executive officer Vincent Hodder said it was the "first major improvement to our terminal since its opening in 1968 and is long overdue". Details of the privately funded project were first announced in 2018, but were quickly eclipsed by a more ambitious plan to build a brand new terminal at the south end of the bosses scrapped that scheme in 2022 because of "excessive delays" and a decision to hold a public inquiry into the development, with building on the extension starting in 2023. Work on the next stage of the airport's reconfiguration will begin later this year, with a full refurbishment of the existing terminal and a new security if a terminal extension meant there would be more flights, Mr Hodder said: "By the time we get to the 2030s and 2040s we would certainly expect to be exceeding the capacity of this terminal."That will require another wave of investment to increase the scope of the airport and meet the needs of Yorkshire."He added: "It's vitally important to upgrade LBA to the world-class facility Yorkshire deserves."The airport said the terminal extension and redevelopment of the original buildings had the potential to create 1,500 direct jobs at LBA and 4,000 indirect jobs by 2030. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
