RAF Yeadon (Leeds Bradford was initially known as Yeadon Airport ) | Education Video by World of Military

Leeds and Bradford Aerodrome opened in October 1931, with regular flights linking it with London and Newcastle. However, when war was declared in 1939, Avro built what is known as a 'shadow factory', right next door to the aerodrome, to produce the military aircraft that were needed for the war effort.

Leeds and Bradford councils jointly bought the airport site in 1930 and it opened as Yeadon Aerodrome in 1931. The airport became a limited company in 1987, and was shared between the five boroughs, Leeds (40%), Bradford (40%) and Wakefield, Calderdale and Kirklees (sharing the remaining 20%).

Work on the terminal building started in 1936, although only one wing was completed. At the same time, 609 Squadron of the RAF formed at Yeadon