Low cost airline Ryanair is setting up a base at Leeds Bradford International Airport creating hundreds of new jobs.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary was at the airport to make the announcement, which the Dublin-based airline said would have a “significant impact” on the Yorkshire region.

It is a major boost to the airport, which is on course to almost double in size after planners recently gave permission for a £28 million development.

The scheme includes upgrading the terminal, which would also feature a new two-storey extension to accommodate a new airside departure lounge.

A Ryanair spokesman said the new base, which will open next March, would create well-paid jobs in Yorkshire.

The company will offer 14 new routes and 63 weekly return flights to and from Leeds Bradford in an investment worth more than £84 million in the airport.

Two aircraft will be based at Leeds Bradford, which will become the airline’s 34th base.

John Parkin, Leeds Bradford International Airport chief executive, said: “This is a great vote of confidence in the potential of both the airport and our region from Europe’s largest airline.

“Today’s announcement makes us an exception in the sector and will help create much needed jobs.

“It shows Ryanair shares our confidence in the tremendous opportunity for strong market growth.”

Ryanair boss Mr O’Leary added: “Ryanair is delighted to announce Leeds Bradford as our 34th base and our 11th UK base airport.

“Ryanair’s one million passengers will create and sustain 1,000 jobs locally at Leeds Bradford Airport.”

The 14 new routes will fly from Leeds Bradford to Carcassonne, Limoges, Montpellier and Nantes, in France; Malaga and Murcia, in Spain; Pisa and Venice Treviso, in Italy; Faro, in Portugal; Ibiza airport, in Ibiza; Knock, in Ireland; Krakow, in Poland; Malta airport, in Malta; and Palma, in Majorca.

The new routes go on sale today.