easyJet will stop flying from Leeds Bradford after 5 January 2027, ending six routes. Passengers booked beyond that date can choose a free transfer to an alternative airport or a full refund. Under UK261, refunds for cancelled flights must be paid within seven days. Fixed compensation usually does not apply for long-notice cancellations.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 20 AUGUST 2026
- easyJet ends Leeds Bradford operations after 5 January 2027.
- Six routes affected: Barcelona, Paris, Belfast, Malaga, Mallorca, Geneva.
- Passengers can get a full refund or free transfer to an alternative airport.
- UK261 refunds must be paid within seven days of request.
- Fixed compensation usually not payable for long-notice cancellations.
KEY FACTS
- easyJet stops flying from Leeds Bradford after 5 January 2027.
- Six routes are affected: Barcelona, Paris, Belfast, Malaga, Mallorca, Geneva.
- Refunds must be paid within seven days of request under UK261.
- Fixed compensation generally applies only if cancellation is less than 14 days before departure.
- easyJet offers free transfer to alternative airport or full refund.
If you are re-routed from a different airport, keep receipts for any extra travel to reach it, and check whether your travel insurance covers consequential costs before you rebook anything.
What easyJet has announced
easyJet has confirmed it will stop operating flights from Leeds Bradford Airport after 5 January 2027, ending six routes from the airport. The airline has said that all scheduled flights will continue to operate normally until the closure date.
The withdrawal affects services to Barcelona, Paris, Belfast, Malaga, Mallorca and Geneva. Passengers who have bookings for travel beyond the closure date have been contacted by the airline with options for their existing reservations.
easyJet has stated that flights will run as normal up to and including 5 January 2027, so passengers travelling before that date should not expect any disruption to their planned journeys. The announcement gives affected customers several months of notice before the routes are withdrawn.
Refund or rerouting: your choice
Under UK261 rules, when an airline cancels a flight, passengers are entitled to a full refund or re-routing, and the choice is the passenger's, not the airline's. easyJet has offered affected customers a free transfer to flights from an alternative airport or a full refund.
The UK261 regulation gives passengers the right to choose between a refund and an alternative flight. If you opt for a refund, the airline must normally pay it within seven days of your request. If you prefer to travel, easyJet has said it will transfer you to a flight from another airport without charge.
You are not obliged to accept the airline's suggested rerouting if it does not suit your plans. You can decide which option works best for your circumstances, and the airline must honour your choice. Any refund should cover the full cost of the ticket for the affected flight, including taxes and charges.
When cancellation compensation does and does not apply
Fixed cancellation compensation under UK261 generally applies only when a flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure, so long-notice route closures usually do not trigger it. Refund and re-routing rights still apply regardless of how much notice is given.
The UK261 regulation sets out fixed compensation amounts for cancellations, but these payments are subject to notice periods. If an airline tells you about a cancellation at least 14 days before the scheduled departure, fixed compensation is not normally payable. Because easyJet has announced the Leeds Bradford closure many months in advance, most affected passengers will not qualify for this fixed compensation.
However, the right to a refund or rerouting is separate from compensation and applies in all cancellation circumstances. Even with long notice, you retain the right to a full refund or an alternative flight. If your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice for reasons within the airline's control, you may have a claim for fixed compensation in addition to your refund or rerouting.
Knock-on costs and how to protect yourself
Separately booked hotels, car hire or connecting flights are not automatically covered by the airline when a route is withdrawn. Travel insurance and, for card payments, Section 75 or chargeback may help with consequential losses.
If you have booked accommodation, car hire or other travel arrangements separately from your easyJet flight, the airline is not responsible for those costs. UK261 covers the flight itself, but not connected bookings made with other providers. You will need to pursue those costs through other means.
Travel insurance policies sometimes cover cancellation or disruption caused by airline schedule changes, depending on the terms of your policy. If you paid by credit card for any part of your booking, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may provide protection for purchases over £100. Debit card chargeback schemes may also offer a route to recover money for services not received.
Keep all booking references, emails and written communications from the airline relating to the cancellation. These documents will be important if you need to make a claim with your insurer, card provider or the airline itself. Check your insurance policy wording to understand what circumstances are covered before making any claim.
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DISCLAIMER
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Figures are accurate as at publication and can change. Check the primary source or a qualified professional before acting.
Frequently asked questions
When does easyJet stop flying from Leeds Bradford?
easyJet will stop flying from Leeds Bradford after 5 January 2027.
Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled?
Yes, under UK261 you are entitled to a full refund or re-routing, and the refund must be paid within seven days of the request.
Will I get compensation for the route closure?
Usually no, because fixed compensation under UK261 generally applies only when a flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure, and this closure gives longer notice.
What are my options with easyJet now?
easyJet has offered affected passengers a free transfer to flights from an alternative airport, or a full refund.
Are my hotel and car hire costs covered?
Not automatically by the airline. Travel insurance or card protections such as Section 75 and chargeback may help with separately booked costs.
SOURCES
- CAA: cancellations, delays and diversions – accessed 2026-08-20
- GOV.UK: if your flight is cancelled – accessed 2026-08-20
