LEEDS Bradford Airport (LBA) has officially marked the start of construction work on its new £100 million terminal regeneration with a ground-breaking ceremony.

The privately funded development, known as LBA:REGEN, will transform LBA’s existing terminal building into a modern, efficient, and sustainable facility.

The regeneration aims to enhance passenger experience and support the region’s economic growth.

LBA:REGEN will deliver a 9,500 square metre, three-storey extension to the existing terminal, alongside a significant refurbishment of the current facilities.

Passengers will benefit from the creation of additional aircraft stands, more seating, faster security, new shops and eateries, a larger baggage reclaim area and immigration hall, and improved access for passengers with restricted mobility.

Work is underway on the terminal extension, with Farrans Construction delivering phase one of the project.

This phase includes the construction of a new UK Border Force immigration facility and international baggage reclaim hall, as well as expanded retail and international departure lounge facilities.

Phase two will include an enlarged central search and check-in areas, alongside larger duty free, retail and arrivals areas.

Completion of construction work is expected to be completed in 2026.

It's claimed that by 2030, LBA:REGEN has the potential to create 1,500 new direct jobs at LBA and 4,000 new indirect jobs, as well as contribute a total of £940 million to the local economy.

These jobs will include a mix of roles, including amongst others entry-level apprenticeships, customer experience officers, duty managers, air traffic engineers, and data analysts.

The airport says the project will also play a significant part in the its Net Zero Carbon Roadmap, with the installation of new efficient heating, lighting, and machinery, as well as attracting airlines to deploy their newest, quietest, and most efficient aircraft.

To celebrate the ground-breaking ceremony for the LBA:REGEN development, LBA's CEO Vincent Hodder was joined by Darren McIvor, project manager for Farrans Construction, Charles Johnson, head of planning development at LBA, as well as current LBA apprentices Helen Rhodes and Rio Master.

Mr Hodder said: “This ground-breaking is a significant moment in LBA’s history, representing the culmination of thousands of hours of planning, consultation and design.

"As one of Yorkshire’s most significant infrastructure projects, we and our passengers are immensely excited to see it develop in the coming months.

"Once complete, this project will deliver the airport that our passengers, airlines, and region need and deserve.”