Airport Consultative Committee [Questions & Responses]

[LBAYORKIE]

Excellent review WH.
A pity the CEO couldn’t attend to get his unfettered view on the Community meetings and first hand feel on new terminal operations, but business needs must. Let’s hope it’s really good and positive news. Wish they would push on with the Parkway Station project.

Everryone has the chance to speak to him personally at a Community meeting.If you want answers to questions and to show support for the airport then go along to one.

 

[lbaspotter]

Thanks for the very informative update once again @White Heather .

Glad discussions are still on-going with Loganair & BA. Which confirms a rumour that some people were recently seen down at BA’s Waterside HQ.

Also good too see the might be some movement on the long awaited parkway rail station.

 

[BCFC]

LBA seems to go through a lot of high end staff….everyone excited when Nicola McMullenarrived now she's gone like a lot of them do after a short spell.

 

[White Heather]

LBA seems to go through a lot of high end staff….everyone excited when Nicola McMullenarrived now she's gone like a lot of them do after a short spell.

She left for personal, family reasons.

 

[JRP]

Thanks for the update WH much appreciated as ever

 

[leedslad]

Today was the latest ACC meeting at LBA. It was disappointing that both Charles Johnson and CEO Vince Hodder had been called away on urgent business at the last minute (CLEUD related perhaps??) so there was no information provided under Business update which for us, is probably the part most are interested in. The meeting was taken by Jocelyn Rankin, PR director.

1. LBA has appointed a new Aviation Director who started work today. Declan McGuire replaces Nicola McMullen who left several months ago. Declan is ex York Aviation and Peel Holdings, having worked at both DSA and LPL, therefore having previous working relationships with Easyjet, Wizz and TUi.

2. Airspace change. LBA hope to make a further submission to the CAA at the end of August and are hopeful of getting through this gateway to stage 3 at the 4th attempt. In response to a question I asked, it was confirmed that now the CAA have removed DSAs airspace, they are effectively starting from scratch and will need to fit in with all airports around them. They are highly unlikely to have airspace in place by their proposed opening date in March 2026 but could operate general aviation without.

3. Recent local consultation events held at Rawdon and Horsforth were fully allocated but both had a considerable number of no shows. They were considered a success nonetheless and a further event is scheduled for Otley in August at a venue TBC. They who shall not be named have been present at all events, handing out leaflets and where they could, protesting. However the local reverend at Horsforth refused consent for protests at the venue, (presumably church premises), so they were limited to handing out leaflets. It was stated that the meetings demonstrated plenty of interest and support for LBA despite the usual naysayers. Other events will take place by the end of the autumn and these events will now be held annually.

3......LBA Regen. The decision to go ahead and open the terminal extension last Tuesday was taken at 1710 on Monday. It actually went live at 0230 on Tuesday morning and the CEO remained on site all night to oversee things. Much is, as yet incomplete. Things are still changing and will continue to do so during phase 2 which commences next week. Much signage is temporary.

The general vibe from passengers is very positive who welcome the available space. As expected, there has been some issues to resolve but this is always the case. Customers are complaining about the lack of airside smoking space. It was confirmed there are no plans to provide one, and many other airports are now taking the same stance.

The airport have now stationed staff within the terminal to provide help and guidance to passengers during ongoing works.

There has been a significant reduction in bus usage to transfer passengers,
meaning when they are used, they are more readily available.

Some long queues at Border Control were beyond LBAs control ( although the queues were entirely within the new area provided). It was confirmed that Border Force provide the staff as they see fit at all airports, working to a SLA that passengers wait no longer than 45 minutes. At LBA, wait times are usually well within this but although LBA can make representations to Border Force, they have no control over the number of staff allocated. The queues arose because of several detainees, originating from inbound flights. Any detained person results in the member of Border Force dealing with them and the gate they're operating has to close while they for so if they dont provide back up staff.

It was confirmed that the e gates remain unavailable due to the Border Force contract with suppliers having expired and they have yet to agree a new one. Once this happens, and equipment is procured, e gates will open. In total, there are 8 passport control desks available.

4. AOB

Confirmed LBA still in discussions with Loganair regarding services to LHR and other destinations . These were described as challenging, but they are also discussing with BA relating to codesharing.

In the absence of Vince Hodder, they were unable to comment on the issues with the Eastern/KLM service to Amsterdam but took note of the points I and others raised.

The Parkway Station project remains ongoing and LBA are meeting Northern Rail and WYCA next week to discuss what actions would be needed should the scheme be approved by our WY Mayor.

5. Passenger figures. No information provided other than in advance if the meeting it was confirmed that during the period w/e 8th April 2025 to 16th June 2026, (11 weeks) LBA saw 1,067,258 pax which is an increase of circa 68,000 over the same period last year..

6. Viewing area. At the end of the meeting, I asked Jocelyn if the airport could, in the future, consider opportunities to create a raised viewing area on the south side, for example adjacent to the entrance to Multiflight. This would clearly cost money but equally, once installed, could generate money too. Earth removed during other projects such as stand construction could potentially be reused to create this rather thsn being removed. I pointed out the issues created by the cemetery viewing area and that a viewing area would help alleviate some of the problems. Jocelyn agreed to mention it to Vince Hodder.

I wonder whether detainees could not be locked in a room and dealt with at a quieter time?...

 

[White Heather]

I wonder whether detainees could not be locked in a room and dealt with at a quieter time?...

It would appear not! I'm not sure anyway that stopping a newly arrived passenger, chucking them into a room, and locking them in for an indeterminate period of time until it's quieter, would be viewed as acceptable.

 

[Len Fish]

Certainly not if you were the detainee! I’m sure it must contravene Human Rights, being treated with dignity and all that. The lawyers would have a very lucrative field day.

I remember the days when LBA had more Customs Officers (as they were then) on duty than there were passengers! They weren’t too pleased when I joked with them about it one time.

 

[leedslad]

I would have thought
"Please wait here for an available agent to see you in the next 30 minutes due to issues with your documents" wouldn't be that unreasonable Vs making plane loads of people each delayed by 30 minutes...

I don't think you get priority fast track service as a detainee in many other counties!!

 

[Statto]

I would have thought
"Please wait here for an available agent to see you in the next 30 minutes due to issues with your documents" wouldn't be that unreasonable Vs making plane loads of people each delayed by 30 minutes...

I don't think you get priority fast track service as a detainee in many other counties!!

Except there’s a flow of arriving aircraft. Flight A lands at 4pm, most passengers are cleared by 4:30 lets say, other than the ones that need extra checks, but then Flight B lands at 4:30 and Flight C at 4:45. And so on. The point being made is that a requirement to process more complex cases is going to take staff off the front line at some point even if that is hours after the passenger arrived.

 

[Len Fish]

Once a “suspect” is identified for whatever reason, from an investigation point of view it’s best to deal with them immediately if possible rather than let them have time to think up a story! Conversely, locking them alone in a room for 30 minutes would make them sweat but that’s best done after the initial interview! Human rights? Humbug!

 

[Aviador]

A question for the next consultative committee meeting:

Understanding that the entire project isn't expected to be complete before the end of next year, can the airport give any details about what it expects to be completed for the commencement of next year's summer programme?

For example, does the airport expect to have the arrivals experience completed for both domestic and international, including the proposed mini Duty Free along with the new meet & greet area?

Is the new CSZ expected to be up and running?

Will seating in the departures increase further before the full completion?

Also, on the aesthetics, will the airport be looking to increase the size of the ceiling in the old building?

Overall, what percentage of the terminal does the airport expect to be completed by next summer, or at the various stages subject to everything going to plan?

Last of all, will the airport be releasing any further CGI relating to phase 2? I hope I speak for everyone here, but I feel this would be better sooner rather than later to fend off complaints about overcrowding etc this summer.

 

[White Heather]

A question for the next consultative committee meeting:

Understanding that the entire project isn't expected to be complete before the end of next year, can the airport give any details about what it expects to be completed for the commencement of next year's summer programme?

For example, does the airport expect to have the arrivals experience completed for both domestic and international, including the proposed mini Duty Free along with the new meet & greet area?

Is the new CSZ expected to be up and running?

Will seating in the departures increase further before the full completion?

Also, on the aesthetics, will the airport be looking to increase the size of the ceiling in the old building?

Overall, what percentage of the terminal does the airport expect to be completed by next summer, or at the various stages subject to everything going to plan?

Last of all, will the airport be releasing any further CGI relating to phase 2? I hope I speak for everyone here, but I feel this would be better sooner rather than later to fend off complaints about overcrowding etc this summer.

It's 3 months before the next meeting. If the airport don't cover these issues as part of their progress update, I may get the chance to ask one or two questions, but no chance of asking any more before the chair will shut me down.

 

[Aviador]

It's 3 months before the next meeting. If the airport don't cover these issues as part of their progress update, I may get the chance to ask one or two questions, but no chance of asking any more before the chair will shut me down.

How about one question with several points?

 

[Len Fish]

Let’s hope the Chair doesn’t use bullet points to shut WH down.

 

[leedslad]

Would you be able to enquire what the airport knows about the viability review of the train station please?

 

[Aviador]

And whether the airport will show any more walkthrough imagery of the terminal.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

C
Hasnt WH mentioned that Declan Maguire is going to bd formally introduced at this meeting?

 

[White Heather]

ACC meeting, Tuesday 23rd September 2025.

Unexpectedly, due to a change in schedule, Vincent Hodder , CEO, was in attendance at today's meeting.

* Passenger figures

Passenger throughput for the fiscal year to week ending 24/8/25 was 2,255,191. This compares to 2,128,316 for the same period in 2024/5.

* Community events.

Four events have been held at Otley, Guiseley, Bramhope and Cookridge. All had good attendances, 30 at Otley, 45 at Bramhope, and 30-35 at Cookridge and Guiseley. LBA consider these have been successful and despite each being disrupted by anti airport attendees who, according to other attendees on the ACC, ruined it for others who had a real interest in LBA. There are four more to come. Menston, Meanwood, Kirkstall and Baildon. Thereafter, the events will continue but changes will be made to the format- a listening event without LBA presentations, with joint action plans developed to deal with the issues raised at each meeting. Changes will also be made to the type of attendees. Efforts will be made to attract younger age groups.

My comment.....
It's clear that these events have largely been hijacked by the anti airport brigade. One attendee said he walked out of the event due to his anger and frustration at the way they behaved, preventing him and others from speaking unless it was in accordance with their views. All who attended stated that Vince Hodder did a superb presentation and showed great patience and respect for all despite the provocation.

* LBA Regeneration

In response to my question, it was confirmed that LBA management had only this morning discussed a flythrough video illustrating how the terminal will look when completed, and this is now to be commissioned, so one will be available further down the line.

Phase 1 is now fully completed other than snagging items outstanding.
Phase 2 is well underway but has another 18 months to go before completion in time for the summer season, 2027.
Phase 3, aircraft stands, has now started. The first 2 additional stands will be ready for use from February 2026. The next 2 are now under design and should commence construction next year.

Within the extension, there are currently 353 seats which are not within any bar or eatery. A further 40 are to be installed shortly.

A new AMT coffee outlet will be installed within the new extension .

Other outlets that will eventually be included within the terminal include:
- An un-named sports retailer.
- A new Montys bar.
- Pharmacy/general outlet
- A new Juniper Concept eatery/bar
- Starbucks ( slightly smaller than existing)
- A new Upper Crust outlet.
- WH Smiths and Greggs will be retained.
- A small Currency Exchange.

Note:

The Leeds United outlet was closed in order to increase the size of the Cabin Bar seating area.

The new Burger King (extension) is half the size of the old one but outsells it significantly.

The Tap and Brew has 305 seats and is the largest in the world. It also has the largest menu anywhere. Passengers can now order from general seating by scanning a QR code and the food will be brought to them. It is doing incredibly well.

Boots will remain until at least 2027. Beyond that, the pharmacy provider is unconfirmed - commercial in confidence would apply anyway. It could be Boots, or someone else.

Due to a change in the location of a goods lift, a suitable location has now been found to create an outdoor smoking area. This will be part of phase 2.

All work is currently focussed on the western end of the terminal. When that is completed, the remaining central area will be transformed to connect the two new areas together.

A councillor praised his recent experience at the airport except the Avro Lounge which he said was very poor. John Cunliffe outlined that LBA are looking at adjusting this lounge's offer and they are aware of the negative comments on line. However, he pointed out that over 50, 000 people have used this lounge and only a tiny number have complained. It was explained that this lounge is used by many card holders and the card vendors do not pay the airport sufficiently to provide the levels of service some expect. Nevertheless, they are taking the matter seriously snd looking at how to improve it.

* Parkway Station

In response to my question, Vince Hodder confirmed this project remains very much on the agenda with regular discussions taking place with the WYCA and Leeds City Council. It was a key subject that cropped up at the Cookridge Community Event. He did say there were rumours within LCC that the costs were under scrutiny due to being too high and overspending on the other new stations in Leeds, but Vince feels the quoted costs are way too high anyway, and he's adamant that the project will be going ahead.

* 5 million passenger planning consent

In response to a question relating to the need to submit a planning application no later than 12 months after reaching 4.5m passengers per annum (a section 106 condition within the scrapped 2009 terminal scheme), Vince stated that in their view, the matters covered by this condition had already been covered within the 2017 planning application and the 2019 Project Sky application, both of which were approved. They do not therefore consider that a further application has to be made as doing so would cover the same issues they've already addressed. They have written to LCC but to date not had a response.

* CLEUD outcome.

Vince provided a quick overview of the situation. The outcome of the hearing has led to confusion between both LBA and LCC as the findings didn't meet either party's expectations. Both are now involved in detailed discussions to try and find a way forward but in the meantime, the airport have issued a notice of appeal.

In response to my question, Vince stated there would be no impact on current or next years planned flying programmes, but equally there would be no growth involving night flights (ie based sircraft) unless they were QC 0.25 until such time as the issue is fully resolved. It sounded incredibly complex, totally ridiculous, and it was confirmed LBA is the only airport with night flying restrictions, that doesnt have a periodic review of what's needed. Most airports have no restrictions or, if they do, they have reviews with the planning authority every so often- 5 yearly usually. BHX is an example where they have recently reviewed night operations and secured enhanced limits due to increased demand (since the arrival of Jet2).

Whilst explaining this, Vince did say that Ryanair have indicated an enhanced flying programme at LBA to come, but all on non based aircraft. Whilst non based ops are good, they don't bring with them the same level of jobs growth that based aircraft do.


* Doncaster Sheffield Airport

In response to a question asking for his comments, Vince stated that it will have little impact on LBA as most of DSAs passengers tend to fly out of MAN and EMA, and that when it closed, LBA gained little other than Wizz. He expressed the view that it was a complete waste of money and it would never be self sustaining with few, if any, airlines interested. He repeated that Wizz have told him they have no intention of going back as most of their passengers are living in the LBA catchment. He admitted TUi may consider it, but advised that they are planning to change their methods of operation which will not improve DSAs chances. He also referred to a challenging period ahead for air travel generally. He did express annoyance though at public money being used to effectively bribe airlines to move their operations from privately funded airports, with the potential for job losses as a result. He didn't say whether there would be any legal challenge by LBA.

* Wizz Air Gdansk

The loss of this route was questioned by myself given the healthy passenger figures and it was clear the decision came out if the blue for LBA. Vince stated that Wizz are what might be described as an unstable carrier that is regularly reviewing where they want to be. They are prioritising high density routes where they can fly daily and in the case of Gdansk, (and other Polish routes) , Ryanair are making it difficult. Since Brexit, there has also been a notable reduction in the Polish population as migrant workers have returned home.

* Loganair LHR link.

This is not dead yet. LBA, Loganair and BA remain in discussions regarding a possible code share link to Heathrow. Vince did admit there were obstacles to overcome but didn't expand on that.

 

[SierraHotel]

Thanks as ever, WH. Positive news re potential FR non based expansion.