Foreign Secretary William Hague today officially opened Leeds-Bradford Airport’s £11 million passenger terminal development against a background of freezing rain and fog, which caused the main runway to be closed for a time for de-icing.

The project, backed by the airport’s private equity owners Bridgepoint, is designed to create ‘best in class’ facilities at the airport.

Before the official ceremony Mr Hague toured the new facilities with airport chief executive John Parkin and commercial director Tony Hallwood.

Mr Hague told guests at the opening: “Regional airports can make a vital contribution to local and regional economies and Leeds-Bradford is an excellent example of that.”

The terminal investment provides for a 65 per cent increase in airside space over two floors, including a new larger departure lounge, new catering units, a walk-through duty free store and additional retail brands.

Mr Parkin said: “This commitment by our shareholders to invest such a significant amount highlights our confidence in the optimism and strength of the Leeds City Region economy and the businesses which we serve.

“By investing in the airport we are also therefore investing in the region’s core infrastructure to support further growth.”