Ownership of Leeds Bradford airport changes hands 

Spanish airport operator Aena is expanding its UK interests by acquiring a majority stake in Leeds Bradford airport.

 

The deal sees infrastructure firm InfraBridge, the owner of Leeds Bradford airport, agreeing to sell a 51% stake in a newly formed holding company owning 100% of Leeds Bradford airport and 49% of Newcastle International to Aena. 

 

Aena is already joint owner of Luton airport.

 

InfraBridge will continue to manage a 49% shareholding in the holding company following completion.

 

Leeds Bradford and Newcastle are “freehold” airports and will continue to be operated and managed independently of each other.

 

The transaction, for an undisclosed sum, is subject to “customary conditions” to closing, including regulatory approvals, and completion will take place once all such conditions have been satisfied, a statement said. 

 

The deal builds on a longstanding partnership between InfraBridge and Aena, established through joint ownership of Luton airport and extends Aena’s investment in UK airport infrastructure with the addition of the stakes in Leeds Bradford and Newcastle International.

 

The statement said: “The addition of Aena as the new majority owner and the continuation of InfraBridge as a key shareholder reflects the strong performance and long-term strategic potential of Leeds Bradford airport and the critical role it plays in supporting regional connectivity, economic activity and long-term development across Yorkshire.”

 

Leeds Bradford chief executive Vincent Hodder said: “This agreement is a positive development for Leeds Bradford airport, for our employees

and customers and for Yorkshire. 

 

“We are excited about the future as we welcome Aena as our new majority shareholder. 

 

“Aena is the world’s largest airport operator by passenger numbers and brings deep operational expertise, and a strong track record of investing in and developing high quality airport infrastructure around the world.”

 

Aena chairman and chief executive Maurici Lucena described the agreement as "an important step in Aena’s commitment to markets with great potential such as the United Kingdom, where we already have a long experience with 51% of Luton airport. 

 

“In addition, with this operation, we strengthen the alliance with InfraBridge as a long-term strategic partner in the United Kingdom and put at the service of the territory served by Leeds Bradford Airport our experience in airport management of all categories.”

 

InfraBridge managing director and head of airports Justin Symonds said: “This agreement reflects the strong performance and long-term potential of Leeds Bradford airport as a critical gateway for the communities it serves, and we are excited about its future growth prospects. 

 

“Aena is a trusted partner with deep operational expertise, and we are very pleased to be strengthening our relationship as the airport transitions into its next chapter. 

“We look forward to collaborating on the continued development of Leeds Bradford airport for the benefit of passengers, airlines and the

wider region.”