Leeds Bradford Airport supports inclusive travel with opening of new multi-faith room
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Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has marked the opening of a new multi-faith room, providing a dedicated space for prayer and quiet reflection for passengers, colleagues and business partners travelling through the airport.
The facility, delivered in partnership with local business Regal Food Products Group and ISSE (Inspire Support Sports Empower), reflects LBA’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and creating welcoming environments for people of all faiths and beliefs.
Guests joined representatives from Regal Food Products Group, ISSE (Inspire Support Sports Empower) and Leeds Bradford Airport on Friday 6 February to officially open the new space.
Designed to offer a calm and respectful environment, the landside multi-faith room is accessible to passengers arriving at or departing from the airport, as well as airport staff and business partners working on site. The space features newly installed flooring and furnishings, including seating and dedicated footwear storage. Prayer mats and a qibla compass have also been provided to support faith practices.
The opening comes as Leeds Bradford Airport continues to invest in inclusive infrastructure across the site. Plans are already underway to deliver a purpose-built airside multi-faith room, due to open in early 2027 as part of the airport’s LBA:REGEN programme, which will also include dedicated ablution facilities.
Kunaal Wharfe, General Counsel and Company Secretary and DEI Executive Sponsor at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “This new multi-faith room is an important step in ensuring people of all faiths and beliefs feel supported when travelling through Leeds Bradford Airport. We’re grateful to Regal Food Products Group for their support in delivering a calm, welcoming space for passengers, colleagues and business partners.
“This comes ahead of the delivery of a purpose-built airside multi-faith room, due to open in early 2027 as part of LBA:REGEN, which will also include dedicated ablution facilities.
“These investments reflect our ongoing commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and improving the experience for everyone who travels through and works at LBA.”
Faz Ali, Sales & Marketing Director at Regal Food Products Group Plc, said: “We are proud to continue our work in creating safe, inclusive spaces for people of all faiths in places where communities come together.
“The new multi-faith room at Leeds Bradford Airport provides a welcoming environment not only for prayer, but also for quiet reflection, offering passengers and staff a calm space.
“We look forward to developing our partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport as we work together to support wellbeing, inclusion and community needs.”
Humayun Islam, Chief Executive of charity ISSE (Inspire Support Sports Empower) Ltd, commented: “Access to calm, respectful spaces for prayer and reflection in public settings is an important part of creating genuinely inclusive environments.
“The opening of the multi-faith room at Leeds Bradford Airport is a positive step that recognises the diverse needs of passengers and staff alike.
“Initiatives like this help people feel seen, respected and supported, particularly in high pressure environments such as airports, and demonstrates how practical design choices can make a meaningful difference to wellbeing and dignity."
More information about LBA is available at leedsbradfordairport.co.uk.
