Leeds Bradford Airport is set to resume normal flight operations this morning after its runway was closed overnight due to an “unforeseen issue,” the airport confirmed in an early-morning statement.
In an update released at 04:00 BST, airport officials announced that all necessary repairs had been completed and that the runway would reopen to air traffic at 06:00 BST. The closure, which began late Friday night, temporarily disrupted both arrivals and departures, leaving passengers waiting for updates on their flights.
“Passengers should arrive as planned unless advised otherwise by their airline,” the airport said in a statement posted to its website and social media accounts. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this time.”
The closure had raised concerns among travelers, many of whom reported long waits and uncertainty about connecting flights. Some airlines redirected aircraft to nearby airports, while others postponed scheduled departures until the issue was resolved.
Although airport authorities did not disclose the exact nature of the problem, they reassured passengers that safety remained their top priority.
“The safety and comfort of the passengers travelling through our terminal is our number one priority,” a spokesperson said. “Our team is on the ground in the terminal to answer any customer queries regarding departures.”
The swift completion of runway repairs prevented what could have been a day of widespread disruption across regional air traffic. Leeds Bradford Airport, which handles millions of passengers annually, serves as a major hub for northern England, offering flights to destinations across Europe and beyond.
Aviation analysts noted that temporary closures like this, while rare, can occur due to technical issues, routine maintenance, or unexpected damage to runway surfaces. Given the airport’s quick response, the disruption was minimized and limited to the overnight period.
Passengers planning to travel today are advised to check their flight status directly with their airlines for any residual delays or schedule changes. Most flights are expected to operate normally as the airport returns to full service.
By early morning, airport operations appeared to be stabilizing, with staff coordinating closely with airlines to ensure a smooth restart. The resumption of services at 06:00 BST is expected to restore normal traffic flow for weekend travelers.
While the exact cause of the closure remains undisclosed, Leeds Bradford Airport emphasized that the situation was handled swiftly and safely, reflecting its commitment to maintaining operational reliability and passenger confidence.
