The top destination from Leeds-Bradford Airport is Alicante, Spain, with 317,280 passengers annually as of 2026.
Alicante sits on Spain’s Costa Blanca, a Mediterranean coastline famous for its golden beaches, historic old town, and thriving expat communities.
Alicante attracts leisure travelers from northern England because it offers winter sun, cultural experiences, and direct flight connections—plus it’s just 7 km from the airport.
Leeds-Bradford Airport sits at 208 meters (681 feet) above sea level, making it England’s highest commercial airport.
The top 5 destinations are Alicante, Dublin, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Lanzarote—based on 2025 passenger data.
| Rank | Destination | Total Passengers (2025 data) | Primary Airline(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alicante | 317,280 | Jet2.com, Ryanair |
| 2 | Dublin, Ireland | 289,963 | Ryanair, Aer Lingus |
| 3 | Málaga, Spain | 282,430 | Jet2.com, easyJet |
| 4 | Palma de Mallorca, Spain | 253,567 | Jet2.com, Ryanair |
| 5 | Lanzarote, Spain | 198,720 | Jet2.com, TUI Airways |
Spanish coastal cities have dominated UK outbound travel since 2020, and Alicante’s popularity exploded post-pandemic as Brits sought direct, short-haul flights with guaranteed sunshine and affordable packages.
Alicante blends historic charm with modern attractions—think the 17th-century Santa Bárbara Castle, the Explanada d’Espanya promenade, and the growing Port d’Alacant marina. The city also hosts the Alicante Film Festival, which has gained serious traction since 2018 Spain.info.
Flights run year-round, but peak season runs from November to April—perfect for escaping the UK winter.
The airport terminal is small and well-organized, with dedicated bag-drop areas for Jet2.com and Ryanair in Halls A and B.
You’ve got taxis (15-minute ride for €20–25), the C6 tram (30 minutes for €2.40), and Alsa buses (40 minutes for €5)—all straightforward choices.
Direct flights run up to 12 times weekly during peak season, with an average flight time of 2 hours 45 minutes.
Verify Spain’s entry requirements, including post-Brexit passport rules and potential ETIAS authorization needs IATA Travel Centre.
They offer reliable sunshine, short flights, and great value—exactly what northern England’s holidaymakers crave.
Don’t miss Santa Bárbara Castle, a 17th-century fortress overlooking the city, and the Explanada d’Espanya promenade for a stroll with sea views.
The Alicante Film Festival has grown in prominence since 2018, adding a cultural draw for visitors Spain.info.
