Airline Leaves LBA
EasyJet to Cease All Operations from Leeds Bradford Airport by January 2027
Key Points
Jet2 is due to launch new routes from Leeds Bradford to Santorini and Preveza in summer 2027, expanding the airport's Greek destination options even as EasyJet exits.
Leeds Bradford Airport recently completed a £100 million terminal expansion last year, upgrading seating, retail space and lounges; eight other airlines will continue to operate from the airport.
EasyJet first began flying from Leeds Bradford in 2010, launching its Geneva service as the airport’s initial route.
EasyJet has stated it may return to operate from Leeds Bradford in the future, keeping options open for a future revival at the airport.
EasyJet will stop all flights from Leeds Bradford Airport on January 5, 2027, ending a 16-year presence at the Yorkshire hub. The airline said it is pulling out to focus on its "most popular" routes, according to Harrogate Advertiser and Wakefield Express.
Passengers with bookings after that date will be offered a free transfer to a flight from another airport or a full refund. Eight other airlines will keep flying from Leeds Bradford, so the airport itself stays open, Yahoo Travel reported.
Which Routes Are Cut and Who Still Flies
EasyJet currently runs a small number of weekly services from Leeds Bradford. Routes set to disappear include Barcelona, Málaga, Palma, Paris, Geneva and Belfast, according to Yahoo Travel. Geneva was actually the very first route EasyJet launched from the airport back in 2010.
Rival carriers Ryanair and Jet2 will continue to fly from Leeds Bradford. Jet2 already covers the Spanish destinations on EasyJet's cut list, so passengers heading to those spots still have options. Jet2 is also due to launch new routes to Santorini and Preveza in summer 2027, adding Greek destinations as EasyJet exits.
EasyJet's Financial Pressure Behind the Decision
The Leeds Bradford exit does not happen in a vacuum. EasyJet recently reported a 70% drop in half-year profit, hurt by higher jet fuel costs and softer passenger demand. That squeeze has pushed the airline to cut routes it considers less profitable.
The timing also follows news of a £5.7 billion takeover bid for EasyJet from private equity firm Apollo. The airline has not said whether the bid influenced this decision, but the back-to-back announcements have drawn attention. EasyJet did say it "may return" to Leeds Bradford in the future, leaving the door open, Head Topics noted.
A £100 Million Terminal That Just Got Upgraded
The exit is a blow for Leeds Bradford Airport, which only last year finished a £100 million terminal expansion. The upgrade added new seating, more retail space and improved lounges. The airport was clearly betting on growth — not a major airline walking away.
Still, eight airlines will remain at the airport. Jet2's planned 2027 expansions show there is still appetite for growth there. Leeds Bradford is smaller than Manchester or London's airports, but it serves a large population across Yorkshire with no easy alternative nearby.
What Affected Passengers Should Do Now
EasyJet says it will contact all customers who have booked flights departing after January 5, 2027. Each person will be offered one of two choices: move to a flight from a different airport at no extra cost, or get a full refund. Head Topics confirmed no action is needed right away — EasyJet will reach out directly.
Passengers who want to fly from Yorkshire after the cutoff should start looking at Jet2 and Ryanair options. For routes like Barcelona or Málaga, Jet2 already offers direct service. For Paris or Geneva, travellers may need to consider driving to Manchester or Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport instead.
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