A recent survey concluded that Leeds Bradford International Airport could attract many more passengers if ongoing transportation difficulties were remedied.
The survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) indicates that many locals are heading to Manchester Airport to avoid congested roads.
Leeds Bradford is located between Leeds and Bradford in West Yorkshire but the FSB report has found that 30 per cent of small businesses in this area can drive to Manchester more quickly because of the region’s road problems.
Mike Goodman, FSB West Yorkshire regional chairman, commented: “Several respondents say it is unbelievable that an international airport does not have a rail or motorway access. This is one of the most striking findings of our survey.
“Other key points are that traffic congestion is continuing to harm small businesses through delays and missed meetings.”
Airlines serving Leeds Bradford include bmi – with a number of domestic flights and several to Europe – and Ryanair, which flies to Dublin.
Flybe, Air Southwest and Jet2 also fly from Leeds Bradford, to a number of major business centres and popular holiday destinations.
In 2006, it was agreed that the airport would be sold to the private sector, after Bradford Council became the last of the five controlling councils to relinquish its role.
