Planespotting Leeds Bradford — EGNM
Leeds Bradford sits on a ridge above Yeadon at about 208 m (681 ft), which makes it the highest airport in England — and means the wind, cloud and occasional fog matter more here than at most UK regionals. The single runway, 14/32, is roughly 2,250 m long and is used in both directions without a strong favourite, so check the wind before choosing a side. Jet2 was founded here and remains the dominant operator, Ryanair runs a large base, and the result is a steady stream of 737s on Mediterranean and Canary Island holiday routes, heaviest from spring to autumn. The airport provides an official viewing area by Yeadon Cemetery for runway 14 movements, and the town's lake, Yeadon Tarn, sits right under the approach. The fence mesh is wide enough to shoot through, which matters because ladders draw quick attention from security here.
- EXS4ZU B738 23 550 ft
- EAI93D AT76 5 225 ft
- RYR5TE B738 2 375 ft RWY 14
Conditions right now
Runways
- 14/32 RWY 14 2,249 × 46 m · 7,379 × 151 ft concrete
Ask the sky
What flew over this morning? Where was that loud one heading? Ask in plain words — the answer comes from real recorded traffic.
Airport profile
Typical traffic by hour
Relative intensity by local hour — a typical day, not live data.Peak: 06:00
Typical traffic mix
- Narrowbody85%
- GA6%
- Turboprop5%
- Bizjet3%
- Widebody1%
Spotter score
Our editorial rating (0–100).Best time of year
When the interesting traffic peaks.Where to spot
Official viewing area by Yeadon Cemetery
The airport's own viewing area, west of the field next to Yeadon Cemetery. You see arrivals and line-ups on runway 14, and you can move along the road around the cemetery to vary the angle. A two- or three-step stool helps see over long grass and bushes for the line-up shots.
- Getting there
- Via Cemetery Road, by car or by bus — a stop sits right in front of the cemetery. Stay in the parking area: do not enter the cemetery or sit on its walls; the airport has asked spotters specifically to respect it.
- Best time
- Runway 14 operations, from late morning until sunset.
- Lens
- 24–300 mm; roughly 80 mm for a 737 on final, 110 mm for an A321 lining up.
Yeadon Tarn
A public lake with a footpath around it, just before the runway 14 threshold. Arrivals cross low overhead seconds before touchdown (the touchdown itself is out of sight), and runway 32 departures climb out over the water.
- Getting there
- Official car park at the Tarn, then walk the lakeside path to find your angle. Insect repellent is useful on summer evenings.
- Best time
- Runway 14 arrivals or 32 departures, late morning to sunset.
- Lens
- 70–200 mm; around 110 mm for an arriving A321.
Yeadon Moor Road gate
The gate at the end of Yeadon Moor Road looks over an apron with parked aircraft and the runway beyond. A good place for static shots of whatever is parked up, plus runway movements in the background.
- Getting there
- Park on the roadside nearby and shoot through the mesh at the gate. Never block the emergency gate, and leave the ladder at home — it attracts security. No facilities; heat haze on hot days.
- Best time
- Around midday to early afternoon, depending on how aircraft are parked.
- Lens
- 70–250 mm.
Footpath between the fence and the golf course
From the Yeadon Moor Road gate a narrow footpath runs along the perimeter fence beside a golf course. Further along you get a broad side-on view of the runway and can photograph movements in both directions.
- Getting there
- On foot from the Yeadon Moor Road gate, several minutes' walk; take everything you need. The path is very muddy in rain and in winter because the golf course drains onto it — proper boots are essential. Shoot through the mesh; ladders are unwelcome to both the airport and the golf club.
- Best time
- Either runway direction, late morning to sunset.
- Lens
- 70–300 mm; around 115 mm for an A320 side-on, 250 mm for close-ups.
Respect private property, signage and the airport security perimeter. Spotterra predicts the active runway from live weather on the dashboard.
What you'll see
Jet2 is the backbone of Leeds Bradford, with a large based fleet of 737-800s (joined by newer Airbus A321neos across its network) flying to dozens of sun destinations, and it is planning around 15 based aircraft for summer 2027. Ryanair adds its own based 737-800s and MAX 8-200s. easyJet has announced it will leave the airport in January 2027. KLM links Amsterdam with Embraers, and seasonal carriers to Ireland, Poland and Turkey add colour depending on the timetable. Light aircraft, the odd helicopter and visiting bizjets fill the gaps. Summer weekends are the busiest by far.
What actually flew over Leeds Bradford in the last 30 days
Measured from our own ADS-B data — not a schedule, but what really passed overhead.
- B738 32.6 %
- B38M 20.9 %
- A21N 9.3 %
- A320 9.3 %
- A20N 9.3 %
- AT76 7 %
- E190 7 %
- B789 4.7 %
FAQ
What's that plane over Leeds Bradford?
Open Spotterra's live map to see every aircraft over Leeds and Bradford in real time with type, registration and route — useful for checking whether that 737 is heading for LBA or passing over to Manchester.
Is there an official viewing area at Leeds Bradford Airport?
Yes, by Yeadon Cemetery on Cemetery Road, covering runway 14 arrivals and line-ups. Use the parking area only and keep out of the cemetery.
Which runway is used at Leeds Bradford?
Both directions of runway 14/32 are used regularly, depending on the wind. Yeadon Tarn and the cemetery work for 14 arrivals; the golf course fence covers both.
Can I use a ladder at LBA?
Better not. Ladders attract security and the golf club objects; the fence mesh is wide enough to shoot through without dark corners.
Spotterra watches the sky over Leeds Bradford
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