LEEDS, England, Oct. 6, 2026 — Update to our October 5 story. Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has opened a new security hall that it says doubles screening capacity. The opening comes ten days before a strike that includes its security staff and air traffic controllers, and reports now give separate start times for the two groups.
What is new: the Central Search Zone
The airport announced the opening on Monday, October 5. It is part of the airport’s LBA:REGEN terminal programme.
- Lanes: three extra-long security lanes are open now. Two more are due by the end of 2026. Exact date: TBA.
- Throughput: each lane can screen up to 600 passengers an hour, against 350 on the old lanes.
- Bags stay packed: the new scanners let passengers leave electronics and liquids under 100 ml inside their bags.
- Entry: six eGates scan boarding cards, and the queue is managed with a virtual queuing system.
- Separate routes: there are dedicated paths for passengers needing assistance and for Fast Track.
- The airport’s view: chief executive Vincent Hodder called it “a landmark moment for Leeds Bradford Airport”.
The strike: times now reported
| Group | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Security, customer experience and cleaning staff | 3:00 a.m. Friday, October 16 | 6:00 a.m. Sunday, October 18 |
| Air traffic controllers | 6:00 a.m. Friday, October 16 | 6:00 a.m. Sunday, October 18 |
About 130 Unite members are involved. The union says the airport faces a standstill. The airport says it expects near-normal operations and has not said how it will cover air traffic control. No airline has published schedule changes or a waiver for the strike dates: TBA.
What it means for travelers
- On normal days, security at LBA should be quicker. Higher lane capacity and no unpacking of liquids or laptops cut the time needed. Keep to your airline’s check-in cut-off all the same.
- The 100 ml limit still applies. The change is that small liquids stay in the bag. It is not permission to carry larger containers.
- October 16 to 18 is a different matter. Security officers are among the strikers, so new lanes do not guarantee staffed lanes. Arrive well ahead of the usual time if you travel then.
- Air traffic control is the real risk. If the tower is not covered, flights cancel or divert, and passengers from cancelled flights will fill later flights.
- Consider avoiding LBA on the strike dates. Flying from another northern England airport is the safer plan until airlines confirm their schedules.
- Friday before 6:00 a.m. is not a safe window. Controllers are due to work until 6:00 a.m., but security staff walk out at 3:00 a.m.
Sources
- Airport Industry-News — “Leeds Bradford Airport Celebrates Doubling of Security Capacity” (October 5, 2026) — airportindustry-news.com
- Yorkshire Evening Post — “Leeds Bradford Airport faces ‘standstill’ as 130 workers set to strike” (October 5, 2026) — yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
- ITV News Calendar — “Leeds Bradford Airport staff to walk out in two day strike over pay” (October 5, 2026) — itv.com
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