Known by locals as Yeadon Airport, owing to its close proximity to the market town of the same name, Leeds Bradford Airport - or Leeds and Bradford Municipal Aerodrome as it was called for its first few years from inception - was first opened in October 1931.
Built on the old road that connected Bradford with Harrogate, it initially was a base for training and general aviation flights, with the 609 (West Riding) Squadron operating from the RAF Yeadon base nearby. At the outbreak of WWII in 1939, the North of the Aerodrome housed a shadow factory for constructing military aircraft by Avro.
Around 5,515 different aircraft were produced here during the war, including 4,500 Ansons, 250 Bristol Blenheims, 695 Lancaster Bombers, 45 Yorks and 25 Lincolns. Following its closure in December 1946, the Ministry of Civil Aviation gained control of the site - and many of the original hangars still exist at the airport to this day.
Soaps and Soccer from the Air
Leeds Bradford Airport pays host to a variety of great flying experiences. This includes some exciting Helicopter Ride packages, ranging from 6 to 25 mile long flights starting from £39.
Got someone in your life who’s a soaps addict? Our Emmerdale and York Sightseeing Flight is a perfect gift to surprise them with, as it will take you right over the set of the long running ITV soap, giving you the chance to see The Woolpack from the air, as well as the stunning Yorkshire Dales surrounding it.
Take a flight even further North, and you can get to explore Newcastle-upon-Tyne, landmarked by the iconic Angel of the North, with our Newcastle Angel of the North Tour package for two - perfect for any fans of the Toon Army and Newcastle United F.C.
First Flights in Yorkshire
Many of us have dreams of being able to fly and pilot our very own aircraft. Now is the chance to realise that dream with a range of Flying Lesson packages to book at Leeds Bradford.
Get the chance to explore Leeds and the surrounding Yorkshire Dales from many feet up in the air, as a CAA approved instructor gets airborne with you in a two-seater aeroplane for the very first time.
Not only will you get the chance to really experience the joy of flying and piloting, but whether you opt for a 30 minute or 60 minute lesson, it will count towards your experience needed to obtain your Private Pilot’s Licence.
Booking to Fly at Leeds Bradford Airport
Open gift vouchers are available for purchase which can be put towards any of our Leeds Bradford Airport flying experiences on FlyDays. They also make a fantastic gift idea to surprise a loved one who’s an aviation enthusiast or just to treat yourself.
Alternatively, if you see an available date you like for any of the experiences you see listed above, you can book directly onto it using our Events calendar, which we keep regularly updated through contact with our suppliers.