ACCESSIBILITY improvements will form part of Leeds Bradford Airport's future redevelopment.

After flights arrive at the Yeadon airport (LBA) passengers currently often have to climb three flights of stairs as they make their way through to the exit.

The issue was flagged up by 80 year old Otley resident John Harrison in January this year in a letter he sent to Chief Executive David Laws.

In it he said: "There is one major problem which my wife and I encounter several times a year when we use the airport.

"This concern is the fact that since the 'corridors' were built a few years ago to transfer passengers to and from the aircraft, after what can be up to a few hundred yards walk, the arrival process involves climbing three flights of stairs to reach the level for immigration clearance.

"Unlike all other airports we have used there are no large lifts or escalators on hand to help people move from one level to another on arrival.

"I agree there is a 'button' to press for those who can’t cope with the climb, but if all those who struggle up the three flights of stairs used this there would be seriously lengthy queues.

"The result is that up to two hundred people at a time must struggle up three flights of stairs with hand luggage.

"These include the elderly, families with young children and babies, along with pushchairs and buggies, and those with mobility problems not severe enough to warrant wheelchair assistance."

Mr Harrison was told in a reply from LBA in May that it would be 'looking into' the issue - but that it was not a priority.

An airport spokesman told the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer this week, however, that passengers should expect to see accessibility improvements as the terminal is redeveloped - though details have yet to be decided as the design is being finalised.

He said: "The airport does try, when it can, to bus passengers from the aircraft to the top end of the terminal where there are escalators and lifts available.

"We acknowledge, however, that this is not ideal and there are plans to change the passenger floor to make it more accessible.

"Our aim is to improve the all-round passenger experience including the flow of traffic and the passenger journey both to and from aircraft."

Mr Harrison said: "It's good to know they're planning to fix this but it's a question of what priority they have given it and when those plans will come to fruition.

"This has been a problem for years.

"If the passenger experience really is as important to the airport as they say it is then this should be a top priority.

"It should be addressed in the next two or three years, not kicked into the long grass."