Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has marked a key milestone in its £100 million terminal regeneration project with the burial of a commemorative time capsule.
The time capsule ceremony took place on the airport’s busiest day of the year, with over 18,600 passengers passing through the state-of-the-art facilities in the newly opened terminal extension on Monday 18th August, a fitting celebration of the airport’s past, present, and future.
The event brought together members of the local community, representatives from partner organisations, and special guests from the Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls rugby teams – who were on hand to help seal and bury the capsule.
The time capsule was filled with items that tell the story of the region today, including:
- A commemorative plaque from the RAF’s 609 (West Riding) Squadron, celebrating LBA’s heritage as a former Royal Air Force base
- Leeds United promotional scarf, celebrating the club’s title winning season and promotion back into the Premier League
- Bradford City EFL League 2 promotion medal, marking their 2025 success
- A personal letter and signed t-shirt from West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, with words of pride for future generations
- Winning poems from the West Yorkshire Poet Laureate 2025 competition
- Bradford Bulls matchday tickets for 2075, capturing the region’s spirit for Rugby League
- Jet2Holidays model aircraft and inflight menu – a snapshot of Yorkshire’s holiday travel in 2025
- A letter from MP Katie White addressed to the airport’s local MP in 2075
- Otley Memories book, contributed by Otley Council
- Leeds Knights scarf and team photo, celebrating their third consecutive league win
- Artwork from Horsforth Council’s ‘Walk of Art’ festival, drawn by a local school pupil
- A copy of the day’s newspaper, a record of life and events in 2025
- A letter from LBA CEO Vincent Hodder, written to the airport’s future leader in 2075
- Leeds Rhinos 2025 shirt and a match ticket for 2075, bridging the past and future of the sport
- Business memorabilia from numerous contributors, showcasing Yorkshire’s commercial landscape in 2025
- A photo montage made up of the current staff at Leeds Bradford Airport, who have all contributed to make the new terminal launch a success
- A list of flights that departed and arrived at Leeds Bradford Airport on the day, contributing to the busiest day of travel so far this summer
The capsule will remain sealed until 2075, when it will be reopened to an LBA of the future to reveal its contents.
John Cunliffe, Commercial Director at LBA commented: “Burying our time capsule was a fantastic way to celebrate this landmark year for Leeds Bradford Airport. The contributions we received truly captured the creativity, pride, and identity of Yorkshire in 2025. It’s exciting to think that in 50 years, people will open it and see a vivid snapshot of life as it was during this major chapter in the airport’s history!”
The burial of the time capsule took place as LBA moves into the second phase of its £100 million transformation. With the extension of the terminal now complete, delivering an 83% increase in seating capacity, new lounges, and upgraded passenger facilities, phase two will now focus on a full refurbishment of the existing terminal building, further enhancing the travel experience for passengers.
For further information, please visit www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk.
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