Jason Manford jokes Leeds Bradford Airport ‘needs a paint job’ - despite £100m regeneration
“I guess a hundred million doesn’t get you as much as it used to”. ✈️
Jason Manford’s impromptu review of Leeds Bradford Airport has certainly got people talking.
The comedy legend filmed himself walking through the airport as he prepared to catch a flight on Monday (July 27). Offering his thoughts, he joked that it “needs a paint job”.
In the first clip, shared on social media, the former Waterloo Road star said: “I’m just going to say this, and I mean it in the most respectful way, Leeds Bradford Airport is the perfect airport for people who want to go on holiday, but don’t need the airport to be nice.
“Don’t need loads of options for food, shopping, just get in, get on your plane, and get out. Staff are great.
“The whole place, you know, needs a paint job but if you are not bothered about nice shops or restaurants, get in, get on your plane, and get on holiday.”
Echoing his sentiment, one fan replied: “It’s less stressful than many of the bigger airports, it’s quick and easy. I’m going to catch a flight, not a day out shopping, dining and eating.”
In a follow-up video, filmed from his seat on his plane, Manford responded to comments about the airport undergoing a £100m renovation.
He added: “See a few of you mention that Leeds Bradford’s had a £100m regeneration recently. I mean, I guess a hundred million doesn’t get you as much as it used to.
“But to be fair, when I walked through and got to gate nine there was a new bar there and that. And that did look nice actually, to be fair.
“So yeah, you know, 100 million, could have got Jack Grealish.”
One fan joked in the comments: “Can tell you flew in decent weather, if you'd flown on a windy day you'd just be glad to be alive.”
In another comment, one fan responded: “I work from there, live two miles away and I love it! Yes it costs more to fly from there than Liverpool for example, but it’s great!
“They’re literally in the middle of the renovations, so some parts are still closed, some are still the old bits and some of it is new. It’s getting there and I can’t wait for it to be finished to see the end result. It’s going to be amazing!”
Another echoed: “It's only half completed at the moment. The terminal extension is done, the old bit is closed at the moment. It will be all brought together and finished at the end of this year.”
The £100 million regeneration project has included the opening of a brand-new terminal in 2025. It has introduced a modernised arrivals process, including a new baggage reclaim area and an upgraded passport control facility incorporating advanced security technologies, designed to make journeys smoother and more efficient.
The new terminal also brings a significant 83 per cent increase in seating, offering passengers more comfort and uninterrupted views of the runway. In addition, the expanded terminal includes a broader food and drink offering, providing travellers with more variety and choice than ever before.
To further enhance the pre-flight experience, passengers can now enjoy access to two premium lounges, including the brand-new Six Eight One Premium Lounge.