Holidaymakers react to easyJet's 'disappointing' scrapping of Leeds Bradford flights
The news that easyJet is scrapping flights from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) next year will affect huge numbers of holidaymakers in West Yorkshire.
The airline confirmed on Wednesday (August 19) that it will cease all operations to and from the airport on January 5, 2027.
easyJet currently flies from LBA to destinations including Barcelona, Mallorca, Paris, Malaga and Belfast.
Now after the operator ended its association with LBA, holidaymakers in Yorkshire and beyond have taken to social media to express their disappointment at the ‘frustrating’ news.
Some travellers on social media also speculated that the move could mean easyJet may return to operating at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, if and when it reopens in 2028.
easyJet previously operated from DSA, but ceased flights to and from the airport in 2010 due to ‘low passenger numbers’.
One commenter on Facebook added: “It would be great if they start flying from Doncaster airport when it does reopen.”
Another stated: “Does this mean they are considering moving their base to Doncaster Sheffield airport when it reopens?”
The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracey Brabin, said she hoped easyJet may return to the airport in the future.
She told The Yorkshire Post: ““Connections across the world are essential for the growth of our region and our tourism industry, so it is disappointing to see EasyJet withdraw from LBA.
“Leeds Bradford Airport remains an important gateway between West Yorkshire and the rest of the world, offering opportunity for travel and trade and investment.
“I remain in close contact with the airport management and support their plans to modernise the airport whilst investing in sustainability.”
On easyJet’s move away from LBA, one user on Reddit commented: “It's disappointing news, but equally disappointing that LBA is rarely the best value option for flights too.”
Another Reddit commenter added: “It’s a poor location and should have been around the Sherbun/Church Fenton area with a link to the A1M and a train station.
“Where it is now it’s a pain for anyone coming from the south side of West Yorkshire and from East Yorkshire. Heck even from York it’s not an easy drive!
“The problem is once you’re on the motorway it is just 30 minutes longer to Manchester.”
Another social media user on Facebook said that Jet2’s operation at LBA could have been a factor in easyJet scrapping flights, adding: “LBA is Jet2's back yard. They weren't competing on price and customer service wise they are nowhere near Jet2's level. If the price difference was significant people would maybe fly with them, but if the difference is marginal I've found most people are prepared to pay a little bit more for Jet2.”