EasyJet to Exit Leeds Bradford Airport by January 2027

Budget airline EasyJet will permanently cease all flight operations from Leeds Bradford Airport effective January 5, 2027, ending 16 years of service at the hub. The airline is withdrawing five routes, including flights to Geneva, Paris, Belfast, Barcelona, Malaga, and Mallorca. The company stated that its focus is on maintaining and developing routes which prove most popular with customers.

This strategic withdrawal follows a reported 70% drop in profits attributed to lower bookings and rising fuel costs. The move comes shortly after the announcement that private equity firm Apollo Global Management will acquire the airline in a deal valued at £5.7 billion. Affected passengers are being offered full refunds or free transfers to alternative airports.

In response to the exit, Ryanair has introduced rescue fares starting at £29.99 for the former EasyJet schedule, available for booking through February. While EasyJet accounted for only 3.3% of the airport's network this summer, other carriers including Jet2.com, Tui, and Ryanair continue to operate from the facility.