EasyJet has announced it will cease operations at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) on 5 January, prompting Ryanair to step in with what it calls “rescue fares” for affected passengers.
Cancelled routes include Geneva, Paris, Belfast, Barcelona, Malaga and Mallorca. The airline said the decision follows a review of its routes from the airport and that its focus is on maintaining and developing routes which prove most popular with customers.
Refunds and transfers offered
Travellers with bookings beyond the cut-off date have been offered a refund or a transfer to a different airport.
A Ryanair spokesperson said: “While EasyJet abandons Leeds Bradford, cutting its full schedule from 5 Jan 2027, Ryanair is saving the day with rescue fares from just £29.99 for affected passengers – particularly those booked to fly easyJet from Leeds Bradford to Malaga, who can now switch to one of Ryanair’s 10 Malaga services per week.”
Airport upgrades and disruption
In May, it was revealed that LBA saw average delays of 15 minutes and 36 seconds to its flights – the seventh longest in Britain alongside London Stansted.
A £100 million extension to its terminal building was opened to passengers in June last year. Work on Phase 2, refurbishing the existing terminal, has started. Bosses say this will “impact the usual passenger flows, particularly for those departing from the airport”.
Upon arrival at the terminal, passengers will notice hoardings and scaffolding at the terminal front, a relocated meet and greet parking area, external temporary toilet facilities and changes to bus pick-up and drop-off zones.
LBA said: “Our meeting area for arrivals, including international and domestic has moved. It is now no longer inside the terminal building.” The Express has contacted LBA for comment.
