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The Chancellor has said she would now support the expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport, saying “the way we fly has changed”.
As Leeds West MP, Reeves had opposed proposals for a new terminal at the Yorkshire site over environmental and noise concerns. On Wednesday, Reeves announced the government’s backing of a third runway at London Heathrow and the re-opening of the Doncaster Sheffield airport, citing the progress of “sustainable aviation” since the pandemic.
The expansion proposals were eventually withdrawn in 2022, with airport bosses citing “excessive delays” prompted by local concern over increased aircraft movements – particularly at night – and the decision to refer the scheme to the Secretary of State for a public inquiry.
Airport bosses instead turned their attention to extending the existing terminal, plans for which were approved by Leeds City Council in 2019.
The Chief Executive of LBA, Vincent Hodder, has welcomed the government’s decision to back expansion at Heathrow. He believes it is “positive for the UK in general” and aviation more widely.
Campaigners protesting the development of Leeds Bradford Airport have contested the chancellor’s claims over the link between aviation and economic growth.
Flights for business purposes fell by nearly a third between 2019 and 2023, with 3.9 million fewer business trips made – and yet the economy grew by 1.8% over the same period.
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