REACTION has been mixed over a £200m airport expansion plan in the North of England where some local residents are fuming over ‘4am’ noise while others can’t wait for more flights.
Some residents fear that the expansion will mean more flights taking off from Yorkshire’s busiest airport at late hours, causing sleep disruption.
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Leeds Bradford Airport, the 13th busiest in the UK, has plans to increase terminal floor space by 38%, as well as make investments in the existing airfield to create up to 10 new aircraft stands for overnight aircraft.
While some residents in the nearby Leeds suburb of Cookridge, West Yorkshire were excited about the plans, others have fumed about the increase in noise it may cause.
Cookridge local and builder Rob Fountain, 57, is excited about the expansion and doesn’t mind the later flights.
He said: “I know people have complained about later flights, but people have got to realise that a plane can’t always just take off.
“There is delays. Especially from wherever they’re coming from.”
The airport said its new stands are intended to attract airline partners to base “quieter and more efficient” aircraft, as well as to expand to new destinations and build on existing routes.
It expects the expansion to be complete by 2030 and says it aims minimise its environmental impact by decarbonising transport links, investing in on-site solar-powered infrastructure and establishing more EV charging points.
Matt Spedding, 30, a supply chain manager, has lived in Cookridge for five years.
He’s used to the flights and says they don’t tend to bother him but has noticed concern within the community.
Matt said: “It’s a bit mixed. People are more vocal if they object to it.
“It’s the anti-social hour flights that people are more concerned about. Late flight, 2, 3 or 4am.
“It’s a mix across the age range. I’ve got some friends who are directly under it and are little bit more concerned.”
The expansion came as part of a £200m plan announced by the airport in its Vision 2030 strategy, which it claims will create up to 5,500 new jobs and provide environmentally sustainable development.
Retired bar worker and great-gran-of-one Sheila Leighton, 89, says ever since she became deaf, she no longer hears the flights crossing over.
Sheila said: “When I’m in the garden I like to see the planes going over. I think to myself ‘hmm, I wonder where you’re going to?’ If people can go away on holiday, that’s great.”
In April, the airport also officially began the £100m construction of its three storey extension to the existing terminal, alongside a significant refurbishment of the current terminal building.
Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, had said: “The launch of this LBA Vision 2030 marks a new era of travel for the region.
“This transformative strategy will play a vital role in facilitating trade links for local businesses, creating thousands of new jobs and attracting international investment to Yorkshire.
Top 15 busiest airports in the UK
Here are the 15 busiest airports in the UK by passenger numbers in 2023
- London Heathrow – 79.2 million
- London Gatwick – 40.9 million
- Manchester – 28.1 million
- London Stansted – 28.0 million
- London Luton – 16.4 million
- Edinburgh – 14.4 million
- Birmingham – 11.5 million
- Bristol – 9.9 million
- Glasgow – 7.4 million
- Belfast International – 6.0 million
- Newcastle – 4.8 million
- Liverpool – 4.2 million
- Leeds Bradford – 4.0 million
- East Midlands – 3.9 million
- London City – 3.4 million
“Our commitment is bold and ambitious, but we are firm in our stance to build a net zero carbon future for the airport.
“With this comprehensive plan in place, we are confident that LBA can continue to play a significant role in improving international connectivity for the region and supporting local economic growth for many years to come.”
Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “Leeds Bradford Airport’s Vision 2030 document clearly states how the airport will improve Yorkshire’s connection to the rest of the world.
“This substantial private investment will benefit local communities and the wider Yorkshire region, serving as a catalyst for considerable, long-term economic growth.
“The airport’s plans promise to create a range of skilled jobs and bolster connectivity among key international markets, creating new opportunities for Yorkshire business overseas.”
“The commitment to net zero carbon emissions for the airport’s ground operations is a great first step.
“Industry-wide, there’s much still to do to decarbonize aviation as a whole, and I look forward to seeing how Leeds Bradford can contribute to that.
“We have performed competitively as a region for several decades, despite longstanding issues with connectivity.
“But, alongside my plan for significantly improved public transport in a better-connected West Yorkshire, now is the perfect time to improve the international gateway to our region.”
Leeds Bradford Airport were approached for comment regarding the late night flights.
