AN action group has vowed to fight any new planning application made by Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) after it unveiled an ambitious strategy last week.

The airport, based in Yeadon, announced its ‘Vision 2030’ strategy last Friday, which it hailed as a “new era of travel”.

It highlights ambitions to secure more routes to European hub airports with onward connectivity, as well as new destinations in the North Atlantic and Middle East.

Airport bosses say this will create economic growth opportunities and enhance international connectivity for Yorkshire.

LBA said this will generate up to 5,500 new jobs and contribute nearly £1 billion to the local economy as the airport reaches an anticipated seven million passengers a year by 2030.

However, the strategy has been heavily criticised by the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) which described it as “deeply irresponsible”.

The group claims seven million passengers a year would equate to around 15,000 more flights per annum and that this would cause “a huge rise in greenhouse gas emissions just when they need to be cut as fast as possible”.

Nick Hodgkinson, Chair of GALBA, said: “At present, the only reliable way to do that is to limit flying by limiting the capacity of airports.

“One day, there may be clean fuels, used at large scale for all flight distances, which are proven to reduce the greenhouse gases caused by flying.

“But currently, those fuels only exist at a small scale – some are barely off the drawing board.

“Right now, the only way to control greenhouse gases from flying is not to fly more planes.”

The strategy does include plans to decarbonise transport links, invest in on-site solar-powered infrastructure, and establish more EV charging facilities.

Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “The launch of this LBA Vision 2030 marks a new era of travel for the region.

“This transformative strategy will play a vital role in facilitating trade links for local businesses, creating thousands of new jobs, and attracting international investment to Yorkshire.

“Our commitment is bold and ambitious, but we are firm in our stance to build a net-zero carbon future for the airport.”

LBA aims to increase terminal floorspace by 38 per cent, as well as making investments in the existing airfield to create up to 10 new plane stands for overnight LBA-based aircraft.

Bosses says these stands are intended to attract airline partners to base quieter and more efficient planes, as well as provide options to introduce new destinations and build upon existing routes.

Ian Coatman, Secretary of GALBA, said: “LBA will have to make a new planning application to Leeds City Council to expand beyond five million passengers a year.

“When that happens, GALBA will be ready and we will vigorously oppose expansion.”