Leeds Bradford Named ‘Disrupter of the Year’ at Yorkshire Children’s Charity Commercial Real Estate Awards 2026
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) was named as winner of the Disrupter Award at the Yorkshire Children’s Charity Commercial Real Estate Awards 2026 on Thursday 7 May 2026. The accolade recognises the airport’s transformative LBA:REGEN project and its bold approach to redefining regional aviation infrastructure.
The award comes just months after LBA was honoured with the Investment Award at the Yorkshire Business Awards on 20 February 2026, highlighting a standout year for the airport’s growth and regional contribution.
The Disrupter Award specifically celebrates the impact of LBA:REGEN, a vital component of the airport’s £200 million Vision 2030 strategy. This major transformation project is designed to futureproof the facility while significantly boosting the local economy.
The award recognises LBA’s ambitious transformation programme, highlighting major infrastructure upgrades, enhanced passenger facilities and a clear commitment to advancing sustainable aviation initiatives.
Key milestones of the LBA:REGEN project include:
Phase 1 Completion: A new terminal extension opened in June 2025, which increased terminal floorspace by 38% and expanded seating capacity by 83%, delivering a new baggage reclaim area as well as new restaurants, immigration hall and seating area with views of the airfield. Passenger feedback on the extension has been overwhelmingly positive, bringing LBA up to the standards of a modern regional airport and fundamentally improved the passenger journey.
Ongoing Transformation: Phase 2, involving the complete refurbishment of the existing terminal building is currently underway. A whole new central search security area will be opened later in 2026 together with a range of new shops and restaurants with a new arrivals experience in 2027.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
The judges praised LBA for its "disruptive" commitment to balancing rapid infrastructure growth with environmental responsibility. By providing a modernised terminal, LBA is encouraging airlines to deploy their quietest and most efficient aircraft at the airport. The airport’s Vision 2030 strategy is expected to:
· Create up to 5,500 new jobs.
· Contribute nearly £1 billion to the local economy.
· Support LBA’s roadmap to become a Net Zero carbon airport by 2030, having already recently achieved Level 4 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation Scheme (ACAS).
Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive Officer at Leeds Bradford Airport, said:
"Winning the Disrupter Award is a fantastic validation of our LBA:REGEN project. This award isn’t just about recognition; it’s about impact. We want to challenge the status quo, think differently, and push boundaries to challenge what a regional airport can be. Winning it signals that Leeds Bradford Airport isn’t just growing — it’s growing responsibly, sustainably and serving the needs of its local community.
Following our Investment Award win in February, this recognition shows that our peers in the real estate and business communities see the immense value we are creating for Yorkshire. Our investment programme is about far more than infrastructure – it is about unlocking long-term economic opportunity for the entire region.”
From ambitious development plans to enhancing passenger experience and driving economic growth across the region, this achievement highlights a bold vision for the future. It reflects a commitment to doing things differently — and doing them better.
