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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.
Leeds Bradford Airport vs East Midlands Airport
Detailed comparison of LBA and EMA on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) scores higher overall at 6.8/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) scores 6.8/10 (Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.6),
passenger experience (6.7), and facilities (7.0).
Lounge quality rates 6.5/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Leeds Bradford LBA scores 6.8/10 on FlightLogic — Yorkshire's main airport. Jet2 and Ryanair hub. LBA Lounge for Priority Pass. Bus to Leeds city centre ~30 min. UK261 covers all departures.
FlightLogic Score6.8Good
On-time6.6Departure reliability
Experience6.7Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.0Food, shops, seating
Lounges6.5Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.
On-Time Performance
6.6
Passenger Experience
6.7
Facilities & Comfort
7.0
Lounge score6.5/10
Highlights
Yorkshire and West Yorkshire gateway — avoids Manchester or London positioning for Leeds, Bradford, and Harrogate
Jet2 base with strong Mediterranean and Canary Islands package traffic
LBA Lounge (Priority Pass) for business departures — pre-book at peak
UK261 applies to all LBA departures including Ryanair and Jet2
Overview
Yorkshire's primary airport — Jet2 and Ryanair leisure hub with growing KLM and Eastern Airways connectivity to Amsterdam and Aberdeen.
Yorkshire regional connectivity
Leeds Bradford serves West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and the Leeds city region with Jet2 as the dominant carrier plus Ryanair, KLM (Amsterdam hub), and Eastern Airways. Long-haul requires positioning to MAN or LHR — compare /airports/manchester for Emirates and Singapore options.
The single-terminal layout is compact but security queues build at early-morning Jet2 banks in summer — arrive 2+ hours before departure.
Derby, United Kingdom · EMA · #2 in this comparison
East Midlands Airport (EMA) scores 6.7/10 (Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.5),
passenger experience (6.6), and facilities (6.9).
Lounge quality rates 6.4/10. See full airport guide →
In short
East Midlands EMA scores 6.7/10 — Nottingham/Derby/Leicester gateway. Ryanair and Jet2 hub. Aspire Lounge for Priority Pass. Bus and rail via East Midlands Parkway. UK261 applies.
FlightLogic Score6.7Good
On-time6.5Departure reliability
Experience6.6Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities6.9Food, shops, seating
Lounges6.4Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.
On-Time Performance
6.5
Passenger Experience
6.6
Facilities & Comfort
6.9
Lounge score6.4/10
Highlights
Serves Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Lincolnshire without Birmingham or East Coast rail positioning
Ryanair and Jet2 base — dense Europe and Mediterranean leisure network
UK261 on all UK departures; compare /airports/birmingham for Emirates long-haul
Overview
Midlands cargo and leisure airport between Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester — Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI with strong DHL freight operations.
Midlands positioning
EMA sits between the M1 and A50 with bus links to Nottingham and Derby. East Midlands Parkway rail station is a short bus ride — useful for London St Pancras connections via LNER.
For long-haul, Birmingham (7.2/10) offers daily Emirates to Dubai; EMA is short-haul focused.
FAQ
Which is better, Leeds Bradford Airport or East Midlands Airport?
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) scores higher overall at 6.8/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.
Which has better lounges, LBA or EMA?
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) scores higher for lounges at 6.5/10, versus East Midlands Airport at 6.4/10.
Which airport is more on-time, LBA or EMA?
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has stronger on-time performance at 6.6/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.5/10.
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