BREAKING.....
Airport lands £160m funding package in major milestone for expansion plans
21 May 2025, 13:04
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/y...ckage-in-major-milestone-for-expansion-plans#
Leeds Bradford Airport's ambitious terminal expansion and upgrade project has been backed by a new £160m financing package.
NatWest has supported InfraBridge and LBA with funding for the LBA: REGEN project.
Led by NatWest’s Debt Advisory team, the transaction involved a comprehensive process that delivered a flexible and bespoke financing structure tailored to the airport’s evolving needs.
The package includes the refinancing of existing facilities and an upsized capital expenditure facility, enabling LBA to continue delivering its long-term growth strategy while undergoing a transformational regeneration of its terminal.
LBA, a key regional hub serving Yorkshire and the Humber, connects more than 4.3 million passengers annually to more than 80 destinations across 24 European countries.
The terminal expansion and upgrade project will increase the airport’s passenger capacity to about 6.8 million by 2030 and deliver an enhanced customer and commercial experience – transforming LBA into a more competitive asset able to capture growing demand in its catchment area.
Alex Tong, chief financial officer at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: "This refinancing transaction is a significant milestone for Leeds Bradford Airport, providing us with the financial stability and resources to continue our growth trajectory and enhance our infrastructure. We are grateful to NatWest for their support and expertise in structuring this transaction, which will undoubtedly benefit our business for years to come.”
The airport is owned by InfraBridge - a global infrastructure manager focused on mid-market opportunities across digital infrastructure, transport logistics, and energy transition.
Graeme Ferguson, head of airports at InfraBridge, added: "This milestone reflects the momentum at Leeds Bradford Airport and the confidence in its future potential. We’re pleased to partner with NatWest to help advance the next phase of the airport’s development—creating opportunity for growth, investment, and greater connectivity for the region.”
Gazal Heda, head of Debt Advisory at NatWest, said: "This transaction underscores NatWest’s commitment to supporting critical infrastructure projects that drive connectivity and economic growth across the UK."