Leeds Bradford Airport is marking the 40-year anniversary of its runway expansion, which the airport claims has enabled more than two million inbound and outbound flights since 1984.

The extension was officially opened on November 4, 1984, with Wardair -" a prominent Canadian airline at the time" - introducing the first connection between Leeds Bradford and Toronto via a Boeing 747.

The same day saw a chartered, second Boeing 747 operate two flights under the name Spirit of Yorkshire.

Each passenger was given a certificate as the Spirit of Yorkshire landed at Leeds Bradford, and a photographer was there to capture the moment.

According to the airport, it has "welcomed" more than two million flights since the expansion (including a Concorde visit in 1986), and it now serves an average of four million passengers annually.

The airport hopes that this annual figure will rise in line with its Vision 2030 strategy.

That strategy includes a three-storey extension to the existing terminal (planned for spring 2025), as well as refurbishments of existing facilities.

Together, these are planned to increase the terminal floor space by 38 per cent.

There are also plans for up to ten new aircraft stands for overnight Leeds Bradford-based aircraft.

The airport also aims to secure more routes to European hub airports with onward connectivity, and to establish new destinations in the North Atlantic and Middle East.

Vincent Hodder, CEO at Leeds Bradford, said: "It’s remarkable to look back on such a significant milestone for Leeds Bradford Airport, one that created so many opportunities for people in our region and has seen over two million flights land and depart since this day 40 years ago.

"The airport has continually strived to improve in that time and our LBA: REGEN plans reaffirm our commitment to continually develop and evolve our services, ensuring customers will continue to get the best possible experience from Leeds Bradford Airport."

More information is available at leedsbradfordairport.co.uk