MADRID, Dec 18 (Reuters) – Spain’s airport operator Aena said on Thursday it agreed to buy a 51% stake in a new holding company that owns Leeds Bradford Airport and part of Newcastle Airport in the UK for 270 million pounds ($360.88 million).
The deal aligns with Aena’s push to expand internationally, as the group targets having overseas operations account for 15% of EBITDA in 2026 after its chief executive said the company plans to grow through asset purchases.
The deal sees Aena acquire a majority stake in the newly formed holding company that owns Leeds Bradford Airport and a 49% stake in Newcastle Airport, with InfraBridge retaining the remaining 49% in the holding.
“This is an important step for Aena in countries with strong potential such as the UK, where we already have long-standing experience,” Chief Executive Maurici Lucena said in a statement.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.
Shares in Aena were up 0.5% on Thursday, accumulating gains of nearly 20% so far this year.
($1 = 0.7482 pounds)
(Reporting by Jesus Calero, Editing by Louise Heavens, Andrei Khalip)
