COUNCILLORS are pledging to help Leeds Bradford Airport become the second-largest airport in the North with scope to triple passenger numbers by 2050.

The airport’s massive potential for growth was outlined at a meeting of Leeds City Council’s executive board yesterday.

Members agreed to back the airport by developing a clear policy to support its growth and to maximise its role in the economy.

The airport is currently used by 3.3m passengers a year – a figure that could rise to 7.3m by 2030 and to more than nine million by 2050.

A report to the board said: “It is one of the UK’s fastest-growing airports, supporting over 2,600 jobs and contributing £98.5m to the city region economy. However, it has the potential to contribute much more.”

The predicted increase would put Leeds Bradford second only to Manchester in the North.

Councillors were told: “There is potential to expand the airport’s route network to open up new international connections, supporting international trade and creating new jobs.

“Better transport connections are needed to grow the airport’s catchment and to enable its growth. There are opportunities to sustainably develop the area around the airport to strengthen its role as an economic hub.”

The council’s policy approach will look at issues such as improved surface access, good connectivity and strategic road access.