EasyJet to End All Leeds Bradford Flights from January 2027

EasyJet has announced it will stop operating all flights from Leeds Bradford Airport from January 5, 2027, ending its service at the West Yorkshire airport after more than 16 years. The decision follows a review of the airline's routes, with the carrier stating that it is focusing on routes 'which prove most popular with customers.'

The affected routes include Barcelona, Majorca, Malaga, Paris, Geneva, and Belfast, covering leisure and business destinations popular with Yorkshire travellers.

Route Review and Official Statements

In an official statement, EasyJet confirmed the move: '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 added, 'Our focus is on maintaining and developing routes which prove most popular with customers.'

The carrier also emphasized its ongoing relationship with the airport: 'We value the relationship we have built with Leeds Bradford Airport and we always keep options for our network under review, with the aim of providing more choice and connectivity where we see demand.'

Background and Context

EasyJet first began flights from Leeds Bradford in 2010 with a service to Geneva, later adding Belfast in 2021 and Paris in 2024. The news comes despite a recent £100 million terminal expansion at the airport, which was opened last year.

This is not the first time EasyJet has scaled back at airports. The Sun reports that the airline is also cancelling remaining flights from Oslo Airport and Harstad-Narvik in Norway, and has previously pulled out of Istanbul, Milan Bergamo, and Stockholm Arlanda. In Norway, the Manchester–Oslo route will end by October 2026 after eight years, while Harstad-Narvik flights are cancelled after just one year.

The airline has faced financial pressures, with a reported 70% fall in half-year profit in July, attributed to higher jet fuel costs and weaker demand for shorter trips. EasyJet also recently agreed to a £5.7 billion takeover by the US private equity firm Apollo.

Impact on Passengers and Alternative Carriers

Passengers with bookings after the closure date will be offered free transfers or refunds, The airline has not provided details on how many passengers will be affected. However, Leeds Bradford remains well served: Euro Weekly News reports that eight other airlines, including Ryanair and Jet2, continue to operate from the airport. Jet2 already flies direct to three of the affected Spanish routes, offering alternative connections.

Jet2 is also planning to launch new routes to Santorini and Preveza from Leeds Bradford in summer 2027, according to The Times of India. While the loss of easyJet may reduce choice and affect competition, the airport will still have a substantial network under other carriers.