UPGRADES worth more than £2.5 million at Leeds Bradford Airport’s terminal are on schedule to be completed in time for its summer season.

The building work at the Yeadon site has included the transformation of the main entrance.

The work has included the removal of offices to create more circulation space between the airport’s two check-in halls. New glass windows and flooring have been installed to create a lighter feel.

Other work planned includes an extra security lane to help travellers access departures quicker. There will also be increased space in the Saltaire bar, which will be added in the departure lounge.

Work has also started to create a 6,450 sq ft first floor extension at the departure lounge. This development will also include a large seating area.

The improvements also include new car park buses, which are already operating, and refurbished toilets.

All of the terminal work has taken place over the winter, as the airport gears up for the start of its summer season.

The airport is expecting an increase in passenger numbers later this year.

Sophie Murr, head of projects at LBA, said the work was on schedule.

She said: “These are transformational projects across all areas of LBA, which will make a huge, positive difference to the passenger experience.

“All contractors on site are working 24 hours a day and are undertaking tasks with minimum disruption to passengers.

“It has been fantastic to unveil some of the works already and we look forward to moving forward with all other developments in a timely manner to deliver an updated and more spacious terminal for customers this year.”

Airport bosses revealed the terminal announcements during MIPIM Cannes, a real estate exhibition, conference and networking event, where LBA is a sponsor and supporter of the Leeds City Region.

John Parkin, LBA chief executive, said the upgrade work was “critical” to the future success of the airport.

He said: “Passengers travelling though LBA over the last few months will have already noticed a number of improvements to the passenger terminal and we thank customers for their patience throughout the construction period while these upgrades are put in place.

“These upgrades and those planned for delivery this summer are critical for us to deliver the very best service and experience for all of our passengers.”

The makeover of the terminal follows the Yeadon hub reporting passenger numbers rising by five per cent to nearly 3.5 million in the year to March 31, 2016, and achieving a six per cent increase in turnover to just under £29.45m. Losses narrowed from £8m to £3.8m, in figures revealed in November last year.

The airport now offers direct flights to 75 destinations across 24 countries and offers worldwide connections through its three hub airports of Heathrow, Amsterdam and Dublin.