Campaign group questions new Leeds Bradford Airport environmental initiative amid night flights row

Announced last week, the ‘Together for Tomorrow’ sustainability initiative is designed to guide Leeds Bradford Airport’s evolution into a modern, responsible, and future-ready gateway for Yorkshire.

Climate campaigners, The Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA), has called out the timing of the new initiative - coming just a month after the airport launched a new planning application, aimed at increasing night time flying.

On Monday, February 16, Leeds Bradford Airport announced it had submitted a new CLEUD (Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development) application, which seeks to establish the lawfulness of take-offs and landings at the airport at night by certain types of aircraft.

Nick Hodgkinson, Chair of GALBA, said: “If the airport was at all serious about protecting the health of local people and the planet, they would stop trying to fly more planes at night. Jet engines pump out ultra-fine particles which pollute the air, causing lung problems and other serious illnesses.

“And everyone knows that planes release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that harm the climate that we all depend on.

“That’s why GALBA is asking Leeds City Council to use its power to stop all the unauthorised night flights from LBA. The Council has a duty of care to protect the health of local people and it can do that with a stroke of the pen. We want them to crack on.”

The CLUED application was later branded “irresponsible” by GALBA members, who are opposed to any further expansion of the Yeadon-based airport, and previously pledged to “fight LBA all the way.”

In September 2024, Leeds City Council issued the airport with an enforcement notice after they were found to have breached noise rules. Two of three subsequent appeals were dismissed, including by a public inquiry in 2025.

LBA’s ‘Together for Tomorrow’ sustainability project will be built upon four key pillars, each featuring specific targets and measurable actions. It formalises a holistic approach to being a responsible business, a supportive employer, and a good neighbour while leading the region’s transition to low-carbon aviation.

A Leeds Bradford Airport spokesperson said: “Leeds Bradford Airport's “Together for Tomorrow” strategy is a comprehensive approach designed to guide the airport’s evolution into a modern, responsible and future-ready gateway to Yorkshire.

“It is a roadmap that builds on LBA’s proven track record already achieved, including a 74% reduction in emissions since 2018.

“This follows the airport achieving a 100% GRESB sustainability score for the first time in 2025, which marks a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming one of the UK's most sustainable regional airports.”

CLEUD applications involve a different decision-making process to an application for planning permission and, as such, under The Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Leeds City Council has issued a call for evidence from third parties - including members of the public.

Third parties now have 21 days to submit relevant factual evidence - such as flight data, flight times, flight frequency and size of aircraft - relating to the specific operations at Leeds Bradford outlined in the application. Submissions must relate to the period covered by the airport’s evidence, which is January 1, 2010, through to December 31, 2019.

The following four pillars have been announced as part of Leeds Bradford’s ‘Together for Tomorrow’ sustainability project.

Destination Net Zero

• LBA is committed to reaching Net Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. Key actions include removing all gas from the terminal and generating energy through onsite renewable technologies.
• The airport is also part of a consortium leading a £1.5 million government-backed study into Power-to-Liquid Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Protecting Yorkshire

• The airport is aiming for 10% of passengers to use public transport to and from the site and has introduced 100% Hybrid FLYER bus services.
• LBA has also partnered with the Aire Resilience Company to enhance regional biodiversity and continues to divert 100% of its waste from landfill.

Connecting Communities

• LBA will ensure at least 35% of its annual spend remains within local postcodes and has committed to creating a foundation to support local charitable causes.

Putting People First

• The strategy champions diversity, equity, and wellbeing, with a target of 10% of employees utilising annual volunteer time by 2030.
• LBA is also implementing a specialised Mental Health Programme with trained first aiders to support its workforce.