Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has embarked upon the first step of its long-term plans to modernise its existing terminal with an upgrade of check-in Hall A.

LBA is optimising available space by reconfiguring its Hall A, which currently handles the check-in of all non-Jet2 passengers. The changes are intended to improve the passenger experience and speed up check-in processes, the Yorkshire airport said.

The work will see the installation of 14 self-service kiosks and hybrid self-service automated bag drops, as well as four self-service check-in e-gates, all produced by Australian self-service technology experts Elenium.

Fourteen manned check-in desks will also be installed, and the hall will be extensively refurbished.    

It has been more than six years since the airport last made an investment in passenger-focussed technology of this scale. This update is a significant step towards bringing LBA in line with the UK’s leading airports, where self-service technology and processes such as biometric identification are commonly deployed. 

The work to reconfigure Hall A has begun and is expected to be complete by Easter 2023. Hall A will not be closed during the reconfiguration and day-to-day operations will not be adversely impacted. 

“The upgrading of Hall A will futureproof LBA, bringing us in line with the world’s leading airports. It is also an early, yet crucial, component of the long-term modernisation plans for our existing terminal, which will dramatically improve passenger and airline experience. Elenium’s technology is a key part of these plans, and we’re looking forward to seeing it being used by our passengers soon,” said Vincent Hodder, CEO of LBA.

Image: Leeds Bradford Airport