LBA Support Group

29/10/2026

19/10/2026

A major milestone for LBA!

We're very excited that, for the first time in our history, we'll be offering over 100 scheduled routes in 2027, providing more choice, more convenience, and more opportunities to explore the world from your local airport.

We're proud to serve Yorkshire (and beyond!), and look forward to welcoming even more passengers through our doors as we continue to grow our connectivity to the world!

30/09/2026

Leeds Bradford Airport: Modernising Night Operations While Protecting Communities Through a Noise-Based Approach

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has today reiterated that its proposed changes to night-time operating arrangements are about modernising how aircraft noise is managed, not increasing noise impacts on local communities.

With the window to share messages of support on the Leeds City Council’s Planning Portal now extended until Thursday 15 October, the airport is urging residents and stakeholders to look at the facts contained within its planning application rather than misinformation and speculation that has circulated in recent weeks.

LBA’s proposals represent a shift from an outdated system that controls night activity primarily through aircraft movement numbers to a modern noise-based approach already used at most other major UK airports. Under the plans, a fixed noise quota would continue to apply, ensuring that overall night-time noise exposure does not increase beyond today's levels.

By linking operational flexibility to aircraft noise performance, airlines would be encouraged to use quieter, newer generation aircraft at Leeds Bradford Airport, tackling the issue that matters most to local residents, noise.

The airport says several claims made about the application are not supported by the planning documents

LBA has stressed that:

- The proposal does not increase the overall night noise limit, which would remain at today's level.

- The application does not permit unlimited growth or unlimited night flights, with terminal, runway and infrastructure capacity continuing to limit on operations. Any major infrastructure expansion would require a separate planning application.

- The airport is not seeking to remove restrictions on night flying. Instead, it proposes replacing an aircraft movement cap with a stricter noise-based cap.

- Claims of a 75% increase in night flying or an 80% increase in flights between 6am and 7am do not reflect any forecasts submitted as part of the planning application.

- Similar noise quota systems already operate at most other UK airports, including London airports and Manchester.

Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said:

"This application is about modernising an outdated system and focusing on what matters most to local communities: noise.

“Too much of the debate has been driven by speculation and exaggerated claims that simply do not reflect the real facts. We would encourage people to look at the information contained within our planning application rather than hearsay.

“Our proposal retains a cap on night operations, but crucially it rewards quieter aircraft and supports airlines in bringing newer, cleaner and quieter planes to Leeds Bradford Airport. The overall night noise limit remains unchanged.

“We believe this is a common-sense approach that strikes a balance between supporting regional connectivity and economic growth while continuing to protect local communities from noise impacts."

The airport also highlighted that its application includes a proposed night noise insulation scheme for eligible properties, with more detail included within the planning submission.

In addition, LBA says that air quality monitoring around the airport has consistently remained within permitted limits and that its submitted Air Quality Implications Report found changes associated with the proposal would have a negligible impact on local air quality.

The application follows community engagement undertaken in 2025, which LBA says helped shape the proposals and reinforced the need to focus on managing noise more effectively.

Hodder added:

"The aviation industry is changing rapidly. Aircraft are becoming quieter, cleaner and more efficient, yet the framework governing night operations at Leeds Bradford Airport is stuck in the 1990s.

“This proposal is about ensuring regulation reflects modern aircraft technology and incentivises the use of the quietest aircraft available. It is a practical step forward that supports our long-term commitment to sustainability, modernisation and being a good neighbour to the communities around the airport."

30/09/2026

Today we're reiterating that our proposed changes to night-time operating arrangements are about modernising how aircraft noise is managed, not increasing noise impacts on local communities.

Our plans would replace an outdated flight movement cap with a modern noise-based system already used at most major UK airports, while keeping the overall night noise limit unchanged.

You can read the facts surrounding our application, here: https://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/the-latest/leeds-bradford-airport-modernising-night-operations-while-protecting-communities-through-a-noise-based-approach

24/09/2026

Hello all! One last push We need your help!

We’re sharing an advocacy toolkit with you to help make the difference. We’ve designed some graphics and included some pre-drafted copy below. These can be used by you, if you wish, on your personal social media accounts, as well as shared with family, friends or suppliers to really help amplify support for our airport.



Simply choose your social channel of choice, create your post, upload the image that resonates most with you and then copy and paste from the copy below that fits your circumstances. And post!



Please show your support – we can really come together on this to show how important the success of our airport is to the people who matter most.



The Leeds City Council Planning Portal currently shows 1149 objections and 167 comments of support. This doesn’t include the thousands of emails that have been sent to the Planning Team via our www.supportlba.co.uk microsite. Please make the difference today. Click www.supportlba.co.uk and send your support now!



1. People who work at LBA

I'm proud to work at Leeds Bradford Airport and to be part of a team that helps connect Yorkshire with destinations across the UK and beyond.



That's why I support the airport's proposal to modernise the way night noise is managed. The plans are designed to reflect modern aircraft operations while helping the airport continue to support jobs, investment and connectivity for our region.

Click here to support our proposal 👉 www.supportlba.co.uk





2. Family members of those who work at LBA

A member of my family works at Leeds Bradford Airport, so I've seen first-hand how many people depend on the airport for their livelihoods.

I'm supporting LBA's proposal to modernise the way it manages night noise because it will help ensure the airport can continue to support local jobs and opportunities for years to come.

If you want to learn more, visit 👉 www.supportlba.co.uk





3. Local Businesses / Airport Supporters

As a local business, I know how important Leeds Bradford Airport is for our region's economy, jobs and connectivity.

That's why I'm supporting LBA's proposal to modernise the way it manages night noise. The plans would allow the airport to use a more modern approach while continuing to support growth, jobs and investment across Yorkshire.

If you'd like to learn more and have your say, visit 👉 www.supportlba.co.uk





4. Airport Enthusiasts / Spotters

As someone who loves aviation and regularly visits Leeds Bradford Airport, I support LBA's proposal to modernise its approach to managing night noise.

The aviation industry continues to evolve, and it's important that regulations keep pace while balancing the needs of local communities and the airport's role in connecting Yorkshire with the rest of the world.

Find out more and show your support at 👉 www.supportlba.co.uk





5. Neighbours who support the Airport

I've lived near Leeds Bradford Airport for many years and understand the important role it plays in our community.

I support the airport's proposal to modernise its approach to managing night noise. The plans aim to create a fairer and more up-to-date framework while recognising the airport's importance to local jobs, businesses and connectivity.

You can find out more and share your support at 👉 www.supportlba.co.uk





Short version (for all)

I'm supporting Leeds Bradford Airport's proposal to modernise the way it manages night noise. A modern airport needs modern regulations that balance the needs of communities, jobs and regional connectivity.

Learn more and show your support 👉 www.supportlba.co.uk

19/09/2026

LEEDS BRADFORD AIRPORT SUPPORT GROUP WELCOMES MODERNISATION OF OUTDATED NIGHT-TIME PLANNING RULES

Proposals to transition LBA to a modern, noise-based framework will protect regional connectivity, incentivise quieter aircraft, and fund home insulation grants for local residents.

YEADON, WEST YORKSHIRE – The Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group (LBASG) has today voiced its strong endorsement of Leeds Bradford Airport’s (LBA) planning application to modernise its night-time operating conditions and daylight definitions.

The application submitted to Leeds City Council seeks to replace an antiquated, movement-based night quota system—first established in the early 1990s—with a modern, noise-managed operational framework aligned with current European aviation standards and standard UK regional airport operations.

A Modern Approach to Regional Aviation

Under the proposed changes, LBA’s night-time operational window will be condensed to 23:30–05:59. This update aligns the airport with standard European flight schedules, allowing regional airlines to operate efficient morning wave departures that are vital for Yorkshire’s business connectivity, inbound tourism, and local holidaymakers.

Key benefits of the proposed planning update highlighted by LBASG include:
Incentivising Quieter, Modern Aircraft: Rather than penalising quieter next-generation aircraft through strict movement counts designed for 30-year-old aircraft types, the new noise-based framework directly rewards airlines operating ultra-quiet, fuel-efficient fleets such as the Airbus A320neo family, Boeing 737 MAX & Embraer 195-E2.

Protecting the Regional Economy: Efficient early-morning aircraft rotations are essential to maintaining affordable, direct links across Europe. Restricting these operational windows risks damaging Yorkshire’s regional competitiveness and forcing local travellers onto longer road trips to alternative airports south of the region.

Direct Community Investment: As part of the application, LBA has committed to a dedicated Night Noise Insulation Scheme. This program will deliver direct funding and grants for eligible local households to install high-specification acoustic glazing, enhanced acoustic ventilation, and bedroom air conditioning.
A Positive Step for Yorkshire

A spokesperson for the Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group commented:"Regional airports cannot be expected to support 21st-century economic growth while bound by 20th-century operating constraints. The transition to a noise-based framework is a sensible, progressive step that aligns LBA with best practices across the UK aviation industry."
"This isn't about uncontrolled growth; it's about smarter, quieter operations. By encouraging base airlines to accelerate their investment in state-of-the-art, quiet-engine aircraft and providing direct financial support for home insulation in our local communities, LBA is demonstrating a balanced, responsible approach to regional infrastructure. We urge Leeds City Council to approve these updates and support the future of Yorkshire’s international gateway."

ENDS
Notes to Editors:
About LBASG: The Leeds Bradford Airport Support Group represents regional travellers, aviation workers, and community members who support the sustainable economic development and connectivity of Yorkshire’s primary gateway.

Media Contact: press@lbasg via Facebook Messenger or on www.Forums4airports.com Leeds Page.

16/09/2026

11/09/2026

Leeds Bradford Airport have made it so easy for you to now add your support to the planning application on how it wants to modernise its night time noise rules.

05/09/2026

Just a reminder.

We see that the has been lots of comments on various web sites, online forums and social media bemoaning the fact Leeds Bradford Airport has lost 2x airlines recently and not making the progress as expected, (other than further Jet2.com & Jet2holidays growth with 6 new routes next summer, and Ryanair also expending steadily, whilst passenger numbers climb to an expected 4.7m this year).

As previously posted on here, LBA submitted an planning application to the Leeds City council which has the power, if granted, to remove one of the main barriers to growth at LBA - the fact it is operating under archaic movement based restrictions dating back to 1994, and with night time hours which apparently last 1 hour 30 minutes more than at all other competing airports.

A change to an annual noise quota and a change to night time hours would bring LBA in line with those other airports. Both CAA and Government policy encourage the use of new, quieter, and less polluting aircraft. Imagine - Jet2.com & Jet2holidays using new Airbus A321NEO aircraft instead of 29 year old Boeing 737 300s!

A recent post about this has had very little response. Just 16 likes. The future of LBA will look brighter if it isn't competing with a constant disadvantage. It is one of the reasons some airlines will not come, and currently , an airline such as easyJet cannot base aircraft at LBA even if they wanted to. There just isn't the night movement capacity available for them.

So, if you support LBA and want to see it do well, please add your support by writing to the Leeds City Council Planning Portal here
https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/
The application refer reference is 26/04635/FU.

So far the is only 82 support comments with the objectors catching up quickly with 65. So If you are one of the 82 to have already added your support, thank you!

If not please don't be one of the 'silent majority'.