New owner for Leeds Bradford Airport as Spanish operator buys majority stake
Aena has acquired a majority stake in Leeds Bradford Airport in a £270m deal
Leeds Bradford Airport is getting a new owner with Spanish operator Aena acquiring a 51% stake of the travel hub's operating company.
The £270 million transaction also includes a 49% stake in Newcastle International Airport.
InfraBridge will retain a 49% share in the holding company after the deal is completed.
Aena and InfraBridge already have joint ownership of London Luton Airport.
Maurici Lucena, Chairman and CEO of Aena, said: “This is a significant step for Aena in countries with enormous potential such as the UK, where we already have a great deal of experience"
“With this operation, we strengthen our alliance with InfraBridge as a long-term strategic partner in the United Kingdom and put our expertise in airport management at the service of the territories served by Leeds Bradford and Newcastle airports.”
Leeds Bradford is currently carrying out a major expansion, including a recently completed terminal extension and ongoing renovations of the old terminal due for completion by the end of 2026.
LBA Chief Executive Vincent Hodder said:
“This agreement is a positive development for Leeds Bradford Airport, for our employees and customers, and for Yorkshire"
“Aena brings deep operational expertise and a strong track record of investing in and developing high-quality airport infrastructure around the world. We are excited about the future as we welcome Aena as our new majority shareholder.”
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval with completion expected in the second quarter of 2026.