UK. Aena has struck an agreement to purchase 51% of the new holding company which owns and manages 100% of Leeds Bradford Airport and 49% of Newcastle Airport, for £270 million (US$360 million).
The move reinforces Aena’s position in the UK, where it already has a 51% stake in London Luton Airport. Leeds Bradford and Newcastle airports jointly served around 9.5 million passengers last year, with Luton Airport at around 17 million.
InfraBridge, which is selling the stakes to Aena, will hold 49% of the new holding company and is also the owner of the other 49% of Luton Airport. The move consolidates InfraBridge as Aena’s strategic partner in the UK, said the Spanish airports group in a statement.
Aena Chairman and CEO Maurici Lucena described the transaction as “a significant step for Aena in countries with enormous potential such as the UK, where we already have a great deal of experience. Aena is looking to selectively grow in the areas where we are already present, so as to create value for public and private shareholders.”
The transaction is subject to conditions including regulatory approvals. It is expected that the transaction will be completed in the second quarter of 2026.
Leeds Bradford Airport
Leeds Bradford is a freehold and unregulated airport, currently owned by InfraBridge, which served 4.3 million passengers in its latest financial year. Revenues for the 2025 financial year (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025) were £56.5 million (US$75.5 million), with EBITDA at £20.6 million (US$27.5 million) and a margin of 36.4%.
Leeds Bradford is currently implementing an investment plan in three phases: the first was completed last summer with the construction of the terminal extension; the second which is currently underway, consists of renovating the old terminal, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The third phase, which includes the construction of new parking stands will take place as traffic growth requires.
Newcastle Airport
Newcastle is also a freehold and unregulated airport, currently co-controlled by InfraBridge (49%) and LA7 (51%), the group of seven local councils of the region served by the airport.
Like Leeds Bradford, most of its traffic heads to European destinations. The airport served 5.2 million passengers in 2024. That same year, its revenues were £89.5 million (US$120 million) and EBITDA was £50.2 million (US$67 million), with a margin of 56%. The airport has adjacent land available for new development, including expansion of the car park, solar farm or ancillary services. ✈
