Airport bosses back plans for parkway station

Airport bosses and West Yorkshire's mayor have backed calls for a proposed railway station at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA).

A report commissioned by the airport and published earlier claimed a new parkway station would be "transformational for the region".

Plans for the railway station, which is estimated to cost about £65m, were first mooted over a decade ago, and an outline business case was approved in 2020, but little progress has since been made.

LBA chief executive Vincent Hodder said it was important to "maintain momentum" on the project.

"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," he said.

"That is why we remain unequivocally supportive of the proposed LBA Parkway Station."

The report, Driving West Yorkshire's Economy, claimed LBA contributed about £737m in economic value to West Yorkshire each year and supported more than 9,100 jobs.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said it demonstrated the important role LBA had in supporting jobs and growing the local economy.

"Strengthening connectivity, both within our region and internationally, is essential as we compete on the global stage for trade and investment," she said.

"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."

Previously councillors voted to move ahead with plans and the leader of Bradford Council said he was "delighted" to support the scheme.

A report to West Yorkshire Combined Authority members said a parkway station could be built on the Harrogate line, between Horsforth Station and Bramhope Tunnel, and passengers would then travel to the airport by shuttle bus.

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