Leeds Bradford Airport: Disruption expected for passengers while security upgrade work is carried out

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is undergoing a security upgrade that it’s hoped with allow for a “smoother customer experience”.

The installation of the "game changing” Leidos equipment will enable passengers to travel through security without the need to remove items from their cabin baggage. LBA says it expects to have the new equipment in full operation in February 2024.

Disruption is expected at the airport while the work is carried out, with a spokesperson urging passengers to arrive three hours prior to their departure while the work is ongoing.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has directed that UK airports must comply with the new passenger and cabin baggage security screening requirements by June 2024.

The upgrade will see the installation of new body scanners, e-gates and smart automated tray return systems. Photo: Leeds Bradford Airportplaceholder image
The upgrade will see the installation of new body scanners, e-gates and smart automated tray return systems. Photo: Leeds Bradford Airport

In addition, LBA will see the installation of new body scanners, e-gates and smart automated tray return systems. The new system will provide automatically fed trays to passengers removing the need to unpack cabin baggage while having a constant flow of movement.

Damian Ives, Chief Operating Officer & Accountable Manager at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We want to ensure that every passenger travelling through LBA has an easy, stress-free start to their journey. This investment is an essential part of streamlining our processes and making travelling through LBA an easier and more pleasant experience for everyone.

“We’re sorry for any disruption and grateful to our passengers for their patience whilst we complete these vital improvements to our facilities. We would advise customers to arrive three hours prior to departure, although not any earlier, whilst work is ongoing.”

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