Live sky board

Aircraft currently transmitting ADS-B within roughly 40 nautical miles of the field. Updates every 30 seconds. Data via the OpenSky Network.

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Not all aircraft transmit ADS-B. Military and some general aviation may not appear.

Unofficial Spotter's Guide

Cold air,
radio chatter.

A field briefing for aviation enthusiasts at Leeds Bradford Airport — the highest major airport in England. From the Whitehouse Lane perimeter to the Yeadon Tarn bank, this is where to stand and what to bring.

Ryanair Boeing 737-800 at Leeds Bradford Airport
Ryanair 737-800 · Leeds Bradford · CC BY-SA 4.0
Runway14 / 32
Elevation681 ft
ICAOEGNM
IATALBA

Field Locations

04 sites
01

Whitehouse Lane

The classic perimeter fence experience. Ideal for close touchdowns on Runway 32, with a clear line of sight to the taxiways.

Threshold 32Ladder usefulFree parking
02

Scotland Lane

Elevated vantage overlooking the threshold for Runway 14. Catches the steep, crosswind-buffeted approaches LBA is famous for.

Threshold 14High angleParking limited
03

Yeadon Tarn

A relaxed spot for family-friendly spotting. The reservoir bank sits neatly under the base leg for Runway 32 arrivals.

Family friendlyCafé on sitePublic parking
04

Multiflight Café

Warm, indoors, and looking straight onto the general aviation apron. The classic Yorkshire spotter's café.

IndoorGA apronPaid parking
Full location dossier →

Notable Movements

Based Airlines & Regulars

  • Jet2.comB737-800, A321neo
  • RyanairB737-800, B737 MAX 8-200
  • TUI AirwaysB737 MAX 8, B787 (charter)
  • KLM CityhopperE175, E190, E195-E2

Field Notes

When are the busiest times for spotting?+

The morning wave runs roughly 06:00–08:30 as based Jet2 and Ryanair aircraft push out for the first rotations. Evenings from about 17:00–20:00 are just as good, with the returning fleet plus late holiday charters. Summer weekends are the peak of the year.

What camera and lens should I bring?+

A 70–300mm zoom on an APS-C or full-frame body is the workhorse at LBA. If you plan to shoot from Scotland Lane or Yeadon Tarn, a 100–400mm gives you extra reach for descents and banking turns.

Which runway is in use today?+

LBA has a single runway designated 14/32. Westerly winds put Runway 32 in use (landings from the south-east); easterlies switch operations to Runway 14. Check a live flight tracker before you set out — the wind on the moors changes quickly.

Where should I park?+

Free parking is possible in the layby areas along Whitehouse Lane, but please be considerate of residents and never block emergency gates. For terminal-side spotting use the airport short-stay car parks (paid). Multiflight and Yeadon Tarn both have their own free or low-cost car parks.

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