Leeds Bradford Airport chief to quit
Leeds Bradford Airport chief executive David Laws is to leave later this month, according to local reports.
Laws has been head of the airport for less than two years, having been appointed in May 2017.
During that time, he has presided over a period of record growth for the airport, said the Yorkshire Evening Post, including two consecutive years of record passenger numbers and a rise in earnings.
He will leave on April 18, after which he will serve as a senior advisor to the airport’s owner AMP Capital.
Chief financial officer Paul French and operations director Simon Whitby will take over joint leadership responsibilities until a new chief executive is found.
Laws, who was previously chief executive of Newcastle Airport for 10 years told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "The last two years as chief executive have been an incredible experience as LBA has continued its transformation into an airport the people of Yorkshire can be truly proud of.
"It’s been wonderful to see the airport take shape with improved infrastructure and a transformation of the terminal.
"Working with Leeds City Council to get approval for the terminal building extension has undoubtedly been a highlight, and I look forward to seeing the airport’s continued evolution when the terminal building work commences shortly.
"Positioning the airport for long term growth and ensuring Yorkshire has an airport that reflects the growth of the region has been a key focus for me in this role over the last two years. I feel this is the right point in time for me to move on.
"While I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time at LBA, I’ve missed being away from my family.
"I’d like to thank the LBA staff, local authorities, business community and everyone in the Yorkshire community more broadly for their support and tireless commitment to ensuring LBA continues to be a key contributor to the economic development of the region."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt