6 December 2011 Last updated at 08:23 ET

Leeds Bradford airport announces £11m building plan

The departure lounge at the airport will be increased in size and there will be new shops and a covered walkway

Leeds Bradford Airport has announced an £11m building programme to improve passenger facilities.

The plans for the terminal at Yeadon, near Leeds, include new shops along with an expanded departure lounge.

John Parkin, chief executive, said the plans mark an "important milestone" in the development of the airport.

He also said passengers would notice a "profound change" when they passed through it.

The terminal development will provide a 65% increase in space, over two floors.

Seventy destinations

A covered walkway for passengers to reach aircraft from the terminal will also be introduced.

Mr Parkin said many people who live in the region choose to fly from airports other than Leeds Bradford, but he hoped the improvements will persuade more to fly from their "local" airport.

Almost three million passengers use the airport each year, with direct services to about 70 destinations in 22 countries available.

The airport's contribution to the region's economy is an estimated £98.5m.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council's executive member for city development, said: "All of this is extremely important for bringing business, tourism and investment to Leeds and the wider city region."

The construction will directly employ over 100 building workers and will be finished in stages with the final work ending in summer 2012.