LEEDS Bradford Airport (LBA) today celebrates the 40-year anniversary of its runway expansion which has enabled over two million flights to and from the airport since 1984.

On November 4, 1984, the runway extension was officially opened with Wardair, a prominent Canadian airline at the time, introducing the first connection between Leeds Bradford and Toronto via a Boeing 747. On the same day, Yorkshire Post Newspapers chartered a second Boeing 747 and operated two flights under the name ‘Spirit of Yorkshire’. As the Spirit of Yorkshire touched down at LBA, every passenger received a certificate and a photographer captured the iconic moment.

Since this historical milestone, LBA has welcomed over two million flights, including a notable Concorde visit in 1986. Today, the airport serves an average of four million passenger annually – a figure projected to increase steadily in line with its Vision 2030 strategy.

A spokesperson for LBA said: "Unveiled earlier this year, LBA’s Vision 2030 strategy signals significant plans to improve passenger experience and drive sustainable growth over the coming decade. The airport is adding a three-storey extension to the existing terminal which is planned to open in spring 2025 as well as undertaking a significant refurbishment of current facilities, which together will expand terminal floorspace by 38 per cent.

"Significant investments are also being made in the existing airfield, creating up to 10 new aircraft stands for overnight LBA-based aircrafts, with the long-term ambition to secure more routes to European hub airports with onward connectivity, and to establish new destinations in the North Atlantic and Middle East."

Vincent Hodder, CEO at LBA added: "It’s remarkable to look back on such a significant milestone for Leeds Bradford Airport, one that created so many opportunities for people in our region and has seen over two million flights land and depart since this day 40 years ago.

“The airport has continually strived to improve in that time and our LBA: REGEN plans reaffirm our commitment to continually develop and evolve our services, ensuring customers will continue to get the best possible experience from Leeds Bradford Airport.”