The five councils of West Yorkshire have reached agreement to put Leeds Bradford Airport up for sale, with advisers Ernst and Young expected to send out information to interested parties today. 

The councils are looking to take advantage of the current high levels of interest in transport and infrastructure assets, especially the airport sector. London City Airport and Exeter Airport have both been sold within the last month, for £750m and £60m respectively. Based on these transactions, analysts believe Leeds Bradford could sell for between £120m and £130m.

Northern Irish property company MAR Properties, Abertis, Balfour Beatty and SAVE have all been tipped as potential bidders. Bids are due to be submitted in December, with the intention of reaching a shortlist by January and completion in April.

Leeds Bradford Airport flies to around 70 domestic and international destinations and catered for 2.6m passengers last year. Passenger levels are projected to increase to over seven million by 2030.