Leeds Bradford Airport £100m transformation brings faster security
Leeds Bradford Airport’s transformation continues with faster security, expanded Duty Free and a new American diner as its terminal changes dramatically.
Passengers travelling through Leeds Bradford Airport are now seeing some of the biggest changes yet from its major terminal transformation, with a new security zone, expanded shopping and new places to eat all opening as work continues.
The new Central Search Zone has three extra-long security lanes capable of processing up to 600 passengers an hour each, compared with approximately 350 on the previous lanes.
Two more are due to enter service, increasing security capacity further.
Passengers can also leave electronics and liquids in containers of 100ml or less inside their hand luggage while it is screened.
The 100ml liquid limit itself has not been removed.
The redesigned area includes six boarding pass eGates, a dedicated Fast Track route and a separate route for passengers requiring assistance.
New escalators then take travellers directly towards the expanded World Duty Free area.
From Yeadon Aerodrome to a modern airport
The changes are particularly striking given the airport’s long history. The site opened as Leeds and Bradford Municipal Aerodrome at Yeadon on 17 October 1931, when commercial flying was still in its infancy.
More than 90 years later, the airport is going through one of the largest transformations in its history.
The LBA:REGEN programme has already delivered a new terminal extension, which opened in June 2025, while refurbishment of the older parts of the terminal continues.
The wider project is set to give the airport 38% more floor space, 76% more retail space and 83% more seating than before.
Passengers are seeing those changes in the departure lounge too.
Monty’s, a new retro American-style diner, opened in September with waffles, breakfasts, smash burgers, milkshakes, cocktails and a real jukebox.
Together with the new Duty Free area and brighter, more open passenger spaces, it means the airport many Yorkshire travellers remember is gradually being replaced by a very different LBA.
Passengers should still arrive at the time recommended by their airline, particularly during busy departure periods.
Image credits: Olive Lounge Travel Bingley / Leeds Bradford Airport.
