Leeds Bradford Airport railway station plans would be 'transformational' for region, new report says
Parkway station plans would be “transformational for the region”
A new economic assessment has claimed that a new parkway station would be “transformational” for West Yorkshire.
Launched at a major stakeholder event today, regional leaders heard how the long-proposed parkway station plans would be “transformational for the region.”
The report, Driving West Yorkshire's Economy, positions Leeds Bradford Airport as one of Yorkshire's most significant economic assets - contributing around £737 million in economic value to West Yorkshire each year and supported more than 9,100 jobs.
It argues that transformational improvements to surface access, including the proposed LBA Parkway Station, would help unlock even greater economic benefits for Yorkshire, supporting the region's ambitions for growth in high-value sectors including financial and professional services, digital and technology, advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, and the creative industries.
Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “The evidence is clear that improving connectivity to the airport is one of the most important opportunities we have to unlock further economic growth for West Yorkshire and Yorkshire as a whole.
“That is why we remain unequivocally supportive of the proposed LBA Parkway Station. While we recognise the financial pressures and delivery challenges currently facing major infrastructure projects across the UK, the strategic case for this scheme has never been stronger.
“A dedicated rail gateway serving the airport would be transformational for the region. It would improve sustainable access, strengthen connections between our towns and cities, support inward investment, boost productivity and help ensure Yorkshire remains competitive on a national and international stage.”
First announced in 2016, the Parkway Station project carried a projected cost of £42 million by 2020. That figure has since ballooned to £65 million - with WYCA conceding that a formal business case remains two to three years away.
While the project has faced well-documented funding and delivery challenges, leaders heard how the long-term strategic case for a rail connection to Yorkshire's largest airport remains compelling and enjoys strong support from businesses, stakeholders and communities across the region.
On top of this, the report highlights the importance of air connectivity in supporting economic growth, with Yorkshire businesses relying on both direct international services and onward connections through major hub airports to access global markets, attract investment and compete internationally.
The findings were unveiled today at a stakeholder event in Leeds attended by Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, alongside senior representatives from business, local government, higher education and transport organisations from across the region.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “Leeds Bradford Airport is West Yorkshire’s gateway to the world, and this report demonstrates the important role it plays in supporting jobs, growing our economy and connecting our businesses and communities.
“Strengthening connectivity, both within our region and internationally, is essential as we compete on the global stage for trade and investment.
“We are working hard to realise ambitions for a parkway station to serve the airport and will continue working with all partners to find the best solution to improve access.”
The report highlights the proposed LBA Parkway Station as a potentially transformative piece of regional infrastructure that could support more sustainable journeys, improve accessibility for passengers and employees, strengthen business connectivity and enhance the region's attractiveness to investors and visitors.
These plans took a big step forward last week as councillors from across West Yorkshire voted to move ahead with the project.
The report also highlighted that Leeds Bradford Airport is investing more than £200 million of private investment in facilities and infrastructure as part of plans to accommodate future growth and improve the passenger experience.
The report finds that:
- LBA contributes £737 million in annual economic value across West Yorkshire.
- The airport supports more than 9,100 jobs across the region.
- LBA handled nearly 4.5 million passengers in 2025, with ambitions to grow to around 7 million passengers in the early 2030s.
- Yorkshire and Humber customers currently make around 9.5 million passenger journeys through airports outside the region, with almost half travelling via Manchester Airport.
- Airport-enabled business productivity generates an estimated £129 million of economic value and supports around 750 jobs across West Yorkshire.
- Tourism linked to LBA supports approximately £75 million of economic value and 2,840 jobs in West Yorkshire.