Julian champions improved transport links with Leeds-Bradford Airport
October 20, 2015
On Friday, Julian met with John Parkin, Chief Executive of Leeds-Bradford Airport to discuss the best way forward to improve transport connections with our region’s airport.
Leeds Bradford airport is used by many local residents around York and is one of the country’s fastest growing airports, supporting thousands of local jobs and acting as an international gateway for the Yorkshire economy.
The airport aims to double the amount of passengers it flies over the next 15 years. To support its plans for growth, plans for a new road link have been announced with three potential options on the table and around £40 million of funding has been earmarked for the scheme.
Whilst Julian welcomes the road improvement, he has also been campaigning for a dedicated rail link, so that Leeds-Bradford can offer a comparable service to Manchester Airport. Julian is now supporting Leeds-Bradford in its goal to complete a feasibility study into expanding the Leeds-Harrogate-York line to the airport. Once this has been achieved discussions can begin on funding and timetables for the dedicated rail link.
Speaking after his meeting with Mr Parkin, Julian said:
“Having discussed the airport’s plans for 2030, it is essential that we start planning now so that we can get the right plan in place for a dedicated rail link connecting the rest of Yorkshire with Leeds Bradford airport.
“The £40 million investment for a new road link is to be welcomed, but I believe Leeds Bradford airport can only achieve its true potential as Yorkshire’s international gateway by having a dedicated rail link, similar to the one that has helped Manchester airport become so successful”.
