Chancellor Backs Expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport After Shifting Stance
Chancellor Rishi Sunak now supports expansion plans for Leeds Bradford Airport, citing progress in sustainable aviation and growth in the aviation sector since the pandemic.
UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has reversed his position on the proposed expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), now supporting the development of a new terminal.
Initially opposed to the expansion over environmental concerns, Sunak has changed his stance, citing advances in sustainable aviation since the pandemic.
The £150 million scheme for a new terminal was previously scrapped in 2022 due to planning delays.
Sunak emphasized that new technologies, including sustainable aviation fuel, have reduced carbon emissions by up to 70%.
He also noted that the expansion of Heathrow Airport and the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield airport would support regional connectivity and economic growth.
LBA’s efforts to increase passenger capacity to seven million by 2030 are being pursued through the regeneration of the existing terminal, with work on a 102,000 square foot extension starting in 2023. Vincent Hodder, CEO of LBA, welcomed the government’s support, highlighting its positive impact on the UK aviation sector.
However, campaigners against airport expansion, including GALBA, argue that the economic benefits of such projects are overstated, especially given the decline in business flights post-pandemic.
Critics urge that government investments should focus on renewable energy to address climate change.
Initially opposed to the expansion over environmental concerns, Sunak has changed his stance, citing advances in sustainable aviation since the pandemic.
The £150 million scheme for a new terminal was previously scrapped in 2022 due to planning delays.
Sunak emphasized that new technologies, including sustainable aviation fuel, have reduced carbon emissions by up to 70%.
He also noted that the expansion of Heathrow Airport and the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield airport would support regional connectivity and economic growth.
LBA’s efforts to increase passenger capacity to seven million by 2030 are being pursued through the regeneration of the existing terminal, with work on a 102,000 square foot extension starting in 2023. Vincent Hodder, CEO of LBA, welcomed the government’s support, highlighting its positive impact on the UK aviation sector.
However, campaigners against airport expansion, including GALBA, argue that the economic benefits of such projects are overstated, especially given the decline in business flights post-pandemic.
Critics urge that government investments should focus on renewable energy to address climate change.
