Ryanair ‘steps in’ after EasyJet axes all flights from UK airport

Ryaniaris "saving the day" after EasyJet axed flights at a UK airport. The airline announced that it would cease operations at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) on January 5. Routes cancelled include Geneva, Paris, Belfast, Barcelona, Malaga and Mallorca. This is so, officials say, the company can concentrate on its most popular flights. Travellers have been offered a refund or a transfer to a different airport if they had made a booking beyond the cut off date.

In May, it was revealed that LBA saw average delays of 15 minutes and 36 seconds to its flights - the seventh longest in Britain alongside London Stansted. A £100million extension to its terminal building was opened to passengers in June last year. Work on Phase 2, refurbishing the existing terminal, has started. Bosses say this will "impact the usual passenger flows, particularly for those departing from the airport".

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Despite these upgrades, EasyJet has announced it departure from the airport.

"Following a review of our routes from Leeds Bradford Airport, we have made the decision to no longer operate flights from the airport after 5 January," the airline told the Metro.

"Our focus is on maintaining and developing routes which prove most popular with customers."

Ryanair is stepping in with "rescue fares".

A spokesperson for the company said: "While EasyJet abandons Leeds Bradford, cutting its full schedule from 5 Jan 2027, Ryanair is saving the day with rescue fares from just £29.99 for affected passengers – particularly those booked to fly easyJet from Leeds Bradford to Malaga, who can now switch to one of Ryanair’s 10 Malaga services per week."

The Express has contacted LBA for comment.

At present, upon arrival at the terminal, passengers will notice hoardings and scaffolding at the terminal front, a relocated meet and greet parking area, external temporary toilet facilities and changes to bus pick-up and drop-off zones.

"Our meeting area for arrivals, including international and domestic has moved," LBA said.

"It is now no longer inside the terminal building."