About the Airport
Known as the Yeadon Aerodrome during its initial years, the Leeds Bradford International Airport was opened to the public in 1931. Under public ownership until May 2007, the airport was sold to a major international private equity group, Bridgeport Capital. It is currently a base for Jet2, British Airways, Flybe, Monarch Airlines, and Ryanair, with Thomas Airways operating seasonally from the airport. These airlines serve various domestic and international destinations, including Dublin, London, Alicante, Amsterdam, and many more.
This airport has a very rich history, playing an important role in World War Two. Civil aviation from the aerodrome ceased to exist once the war began in 1939, enabling several military aircraft to use the location as a base. During this time, the north area of the aerodrome was selected for an aircraft “shadow” factory and skillfully camouflaged to completely hide the site from air traffic. At the commencement of the war, the aerodrome recommenced civil routes and was renamed to the current title.
Over the years, the airport witnessed a great deal of structural modifications and additions, including runways, taxiways, and so on. This airport has seen at least three significant runway mishaps or accidents during its lifespan. During the 1985 monsoons, a British Airtours aircraft faced a minor runway mishap as the flight overran the runway length at the time of its landing. With no major casualties, the incident left some of the crew members and passengers to deal with minor injuries. Tragedy struck in 1995 as well when an aircraft, still in flight, entered into a dangerous, uncontrollable spiral dive and crashed into farmland, killing all twelve passengers. The airport faced another accident in the year 2005 when an aircraft encountered a brake malfunction.
According to Flightright Data, in 2025, Leeds Bradford Airport had a total of 13,972 scheduled flights. Out of these, 194 flights were cancelled, representing 1.39% of all scheduled flights. In addition, 150 flights were delayed, making up 1.07% of the total. There were 344 incidents, which constituted 2.46% of all departing flights.
Delays and other Passenger Woes
The three busiest routes to and from the Leeds Bradford International Airport are flights to Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Alicante, all in Spain. Amsterdam is the next most popular route, with Dublin coming in at number five. Whilst the airport has low flight delay numbers, it is important for flight passengers to always be aware of their entitlements and rights before boarding a flight. Flight delays and cancellations have the ability to greatly inconvenience passengers, and if passengers are not aware of their rights they can miss out on the compensation they deserve. If your flight is delayed more than 3 hours, you may qualify to receive compensation
What is Flightright
Flightright helps passengers claim their compensation for delayed and cancelled flights. Our law experts will do all the work for you to receive your compensation. The Flightright website lists passenger rights and powers according to EU regulation, as well as having an exhaustive list of frequently asked questions. A lack of knowledge of one’s rights and privileges often makes people settle for less, and not demand for what has been promised or what is rightfully theirs. Flightright seeks to set that right.
Delay, cancellation, overbooking, missed connecting flight? You are entitled to:
Short distance up to 1500 km | Medium distance up to 3500 km | Long distance of 3500 km |
|---|---|---|
e.g. London – Edinburgh | e.g. London – Athens | e.g. London – Tokyo |
£220* | £350* | £520* |
*Minus commission (usually 20 to 30% [if nec. plus attorney’s fee of 14% ] plus VAT) if claimed through our service
Statistical Overview of Airlines at Leeds Bradford in 2025
Leeds Bradford experienced notable operational activity. The most active carrier was Jet2, operating a total of 6,198 flights with 25 cancellations and 50 delays, reflecting their performance. Following close behind, Ryanair managed 3,579 flights, with 22 cancellations and 68 delays, indicating its performance. Overall, the operational data from Leeds Bradford in 2025 showcases significant activity with a focus on maintaining flight schedules despite challenges.
Top 5 Airlines at Leeds Bradford
Airline Name | Flights | Flight Cancelations | Flight Delays |
|---|---|---|---|
Jet2 | 6198 | 25 | 50 |
Ryanair | 3579 | 22 | 68 |
TUI Airways | 2123 | 15 | 25 |
KLM | 1090 | 10 | 15 |
British Airways | 982 | 8 | 12 |
What rights do I have?
Under EU law, you can get up to £520 compensation in the event of a delay, cancellation or overbooking of your flight. This is true regardless of the ticket price and up to 6 years retrospectively.
What to do when delayed?
gather information
Take photos
You are entitled to vouchers
Keep documents from the airline, such as letters, tickets, and vouchers
Recently cancelled or delayed flights at Leeds Bradford Airport
Here you’ll find delays and cancellations at Leeds Bradford Airport that could entitle you to financial compensation. Use our online calculator to check your entitlement to compensation and let Flightright do the rest of the work.
What rights do I have as a passenger if my flight is canceled due to a strike at Leeds Bradford Airport?
If your flight is planned to depart from Leeds/Bradford and there is a strike at the airport, first check if your flight is affected by the cancellations due to the strike. According to the EU Passenger Rights Regulation, you are entitled to alternative transportation or a refund of the ticket price. In addition, you may be entitled to compensation if there are no extraordinary circumstances and it is an internal airline strike. Contact your airline for further information regarding substitute transportation, rebooking, or ticket refund, as well as on-site services such as meals and, if necessary, accommodation and transportation to the hotel.
Can I get compensation if my flight is delayed or canceled at Leeds Bradford due to a strike?
A flight cancellation or significant delay of more than three hours due to a strike is often considered an extraordinary circumstance, provided the strike is not within the control of the airline or its personnel. There is no entitlement to compensation in case of extraordinary circumstances. However, passengers should be aware of their rights to basic care and catering services at Leeds/Bradford Airport. This includes meals, refreshments, and, if necessary, accommodation, depending on the duration of the delay and the flight distance. Also, important to know: If your flight is canceled because the airline staff is on strike, you are entitled to a refund of your ticket price, alternative transportation, on-site catering, and additional compensation.
We will help you claim compensation for:
Your flight did not go as planned?
In the event of flight delays, cancellations and overbooking, passengers may be entitled to compensation or ticket reimbursement. Flightright enforces your rights.