On October 13, 2025, Ryanair, the UK's No. 1 passenger airline, proudly announced a significant achievement: it has now carried over 18 million passengers through Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). This milestone reflects Ryanair's long-standing commitment to the region since it began operations to and from the airport back in 1989. Over the years, Ryanair has invested substantially in Leeds Bradford, significantly boosting the local economy and providing passengers with greater travel options at some of the lowest fares available in the market.

Since its first flight at Leeds Bradford, Ryanair has maintained a strong presence at the airport. The airline has based three aircraft at the facility, amounting to a $300 million investment. This move has created over 1,300 local jobs, further solidifying Ryanair's position as a key employer and contributor to the local economy. By providing passengers in Yorkshire with low-cost travel options, Ryanair has significantly increased access to both domestic and international destinations, ensuring that travel remains affordable for the community.

This winter, Ryanair will be operating a robust schedule with 116 weekly flights to and from Leeds Bradford Airport, covering 13 routes in total. The airline is also introducing an exciting new winter route to Warsaw, which will operate twice a week starting from October 27, 2025. This new connection highlights Ryanair's commitment to continuously expanding its offerings and catering to growing demand from passengers looking for affordable travel options to key cities in Europe and beyond.

The introduction of the Warsaw route is just one example of Ryanair's strategic approach to expanding its network from Leeds Bradford. As one of the airline's most important bases in the UK, Leeds Bradford serves as a vital hub for travelers, and Ryanair's new winter schedule reflects the company's ongoing investment in the region. With multiple routes connecting Yorkshire to key European destinations, passengers now have even more options when planning both leisure and business travel.

Ryanair's partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport has been marked by continuous growth and mutual success. Since 1989, when Ryanair first arrived at LBA, the airline has been a driving force behind the airport's expansion. The partnership has not only increased travel options for passengers but has also contributed significantly to the region's economy through job creation and investments in infrastructure.

Over the years, Ryanair's growth at Leeds Bradford has been consistent, with the airline increasing its flight frequencies and adding new destinations to its offerings. This development has helped the airport gain international recognition as a key European gateway, ensuring that travelers from Yorkshire and beyond have access to a diverse range of destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Ryanair's success at Leeds Bradford is a testament to the company's commitment to providing low-cost, high-value travel options that meet the needs of today's discerning travelers.

Jade Kirwan, Ryanair's Director of Communications, expressed pride in the airline's achievement, noting that carrying 18 million passengers through Leeds Bradford Airport is a reflection of the company's ongoing dedication to providing affordable travel options for customers. With its low-cost flight options and expanded network, Ryanair has become a key player in Yorkshire's travel market, ensuring that people have greater access to both domestic and international destinations.

Kirwan also highlighted the significant role that Ryanair's investment in Leeds Bradford has played in boosting the local economy. Through the airline's investment in three based aircraft, which has amounted to a $300 million financial commitment, and the 1,300 jobs created, Ryanair has made a lasting impact on the region. The company's presence at Leeds Bradford has allowed the airport to expand its route offerings, providing more flexibility and choice to passengers while maintaining some of the lowest airfares available.

The announcement of 18 million passengers being carried through Leeds Bradford Airport was met with enthusiasm from airport officials, who celebrated the achievement as a major milestone for both the airline and the region. Declan Maguire, the Aviation Director at Leeds Bradford Airport, praised the partnership with Ryanair, noting that it has played a crucial role in delivering greater choice and value for passengers from Yorkshire.

Reflecting on the airline's history with the airport, Maguire fondly mentioned the arrival of Ryanair in 1989, noting that it was a key moment for the airport and for the region's aviation industry. Over the years, the strong partnership between Ryanair and Leeds Bradford has led to increased flight frequencies and new route offerings, ensuring that passengers can travel to more destinations at competitive prices.

Maguire also emphasized that the ongoing expansion of Ryanair's network at Leeds Bradford will continue to bring more economic benefits to the region, driving further growth for local businesses and attracting new visitors to the area. With Ryanair's continued commitment to the region, both Leeds Bradford Airport and Yorkshire can expect even more positive developments in the coming years.

Looking ahead, Ryanair has made it clear that it intends to continue expanding its flight network and operational capacity at Leeds Bradford Airport. The airline's commitment to investing in the region, offering new routes, and increasing frequencies ensures that the airport will continue to thrive as a key travel hub in the UK. As passenger demand continues to grow, Ryanair is well-positioned to meet the needs of both leisure and business travelers by providing affordable, reliable, and flexible travel options.

The airline's expansion into new markets such as Warsaw and its continued investments in the region signal that Leeds Bradford Airport will remain an important gateway for passengers traveling to and from Yorkshire. Ryanair's successful model of low-cost, high-quality service combined with strong community ties ensures that the airline will continue to play a key role in the region's aviation landscape for years to come.

Ryanair Hits Eighteen Million Passengers at Leeds Bradford Airport, Strengthening Investment and Boosting Affordable Travel in UK - Travel And Tour World