Mapped out: Three new road options for Leeds Bradford Airport

The options aim to improve access to the airport, which has been identified as a key transport need to boost the future Leeds economy, as well as tackling existing congestion issues in the local road network.

A consultation process will take place before the end of the year.

Two of the options would see the creation of a new link road while the third would include the widening existing roads and upgrading junctions.

The options are:

The building of a new road from the A65, running along the eastern edge of the airport before joining the A658 to the north.

A new road following the same initial path from the A65 running between Rawdon and Horsforth but runs to the south west of the airport before joining the A658.

Upgrading the existing A65 and A658 around Rawdon and Yeadon to the airport.

It is hoped that the plans would help boost access to the airport and tackle existing problems of congestion and delays on the A65 and A658 Harrogate road as well as local road network issues.

Coun Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “Improving road access to Leeds-Bradford Airport and tackling congestion issues on the local network is a priority for the city and region but we need to do it right which is why we are releasing this information now so people can see what we are proposing ahead of the full consultation process.

“The airport contributes more than £100m a year to our economy, with its future growth essential to providing new jobs in the years and decades to come.

“That is why it is vital access to and from the airport is as effective as it can be while also serving the needs of the local communities, so we look forward to people considering the options and giving us their views when the full consultation process takes place.”

Meanwhile, leading Spanish low cost airline Vueling is to start twice-weekly scheduled return flights from Leeds-Bradford Airport to Barcelona from March 28, 2016. Vueling will operate flights on a Monday and a Friday to and from LBA.

Gerald Jennings, president of Leeds Chamber of Commerce, said: “Like the Leeds City Region, Barcelona has a strong manufacturing base with many shared sector strengths in automotive, chemical production and textiles.

“Allied to this both regions have very strong finance and digital sectors supported by internationally recognised higher education institutions.

“With greater and more convenient connectivity to one of Europe’s most exciting cities, I am hopeful that this will encourage new and greater trade links, more opportunities for collaboration and the opening up of supply chains.

“The Chamber has extensive experience in supporting companies who wish to explore these new opportunities, be they experienced exporters or first timers and welcomes this announcement.”