With the closest station currently Leeds City, travellers that have previously faced a half an hour bus or taxi ride can now let the train take the strain instead.

The airport is expecting the station to be open as soon as 2021. It will serve the three and a half million passengers that travel from the airport every year – a figure that is expected to double by 2030.

Judith Blake, leader of the Leeds City council, said: “Providing a connection by rail to the airport has long been an ambition for the city and this plan will deliver it in a cost-effective way, along with two other new stations.”

The station will connect the airport to the existing line between Leeds and Harrogate, and is part of a wider plan to improve transport in and around Leeds city centre.

John Parkin, chief executive at the airport, added: “As one of the country’s fastest growing regional airports, it is vital that we give passengers more choice about how they are able to get here.

"Investing in the public transport network in this way will enable people to travel to and from the airport easily. We’re pleased that steps are being taken to implement this transformational project and look forward to seeing it progress.”